NBA Most Improved Player Odds 2026

Essentially, the NBA’s MIP award is given to a player who bounced back after having a bad season or even a bad start to their career, before piecing together a great season to put themselves back on the radar of NBA fans and pundits alike.

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know before betting in the NBA Most Improved Player futures market, including how the award is selected and the best odds you can find after the midseason All-Star break.

Note: Odds were correct at the time of writing.

How is the Winner Decided?

The NBA Most Improved Player Award is given out each season to the player who has shown the most significant improvement from their previous season.

A panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada votes for the award, with each voter selecting their top three choices and ranking them in order from first to third.

Each first-place vote is worth 5 points, with second-place votes worth 3 points and third-place votes worth 1 point.

The player with the most total points among the 100 ballots wins the award, meaning there are various scenarios where a player could have more second-place votes than first-place votes but still ultimately win the award.

Notably, the award typically trends toward a younger player making a leap rather than established stars. So when handicapping the list of options out there, this is something to keep in the back of your mind.

NBA Most Improved Player Betting Odds

The 2025-26 NBA season has provided multiple worthy candidates to bring home the Most Improved Player award this season, but that group has been pared down significantly as the All-Star break approaches.

Here are the main players to watch as the season winds down.

Deni Avdija (-125) at DraftKings – The Favorite

Avdija has a strong case to win NBA Most Improved Player thanks to the steady expansion of his role with the Washington Wizards. Once viewed primarily as a defensive-minded role player, Avdija has taken on far more offensive responsibility, showing clear growth as a scorer, ball-handler, and secondary playmaker.

His increased usage has translated into more consistent production, particularly in transition and half-court sets where he’s become more decisive and confident. This season, he’s averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

Beyond the raw numbers, Avdija’s improvement stands out because it’s tied to real on-court impact. He’s guarding multiple positions, rebounding at a high level, and often serving as a connective piece in the Wizards’ offense.

Voters for Most Improved Player often reward players who make a visible leap in responsibility and influence, and Avdija’s evolution from complementary piece to foundational contributor fits that narrative well — especially on a team actively reshaping its identity around younger talent.

Jalen Johnson (+240) at BetMGM

Johnson (23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists per game) has emerged as a legitimate candidate for this award due to his rapid development with the Atlanta Hawks. After flashing potential in limited minutes early in his career, Johnson has taken a major step forward by earning a consistent, expanded role and capitalizing on it.

His growth as a scorer and rebounder, paired with improved efficiency around the rim, has made him a dependable presence in Atlanta’s frontcourt.

What strengthens Johnson’s MIP case is how clearly his improvement shows up in winning plays. He’s become a versatile defender capable of switching across positions, while also contributing as a secondary playmaker who keeps the offense moving.

That blend of athleticism, energy, and all-around impact has shifted him from a developmental prospect to a core rotation piece, the kind of leap voters often look for when deciding the Most Improved Player award.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (+1000) at FanDuel

While quietly building a strong case for Most Improved Player, Alexander-Walker has seen some major evolution with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Once known primarily as a streaky scorer, Alexander-Walker has reshaped his game into that of a reliable two-way guard, carving out a clear role in a winning rotation and averaging more than 23 points this season.

The shooting efficiency has improved, particularly from three-point range, and he’s shown better decision-making when attacking closeouts or moving the ball within the offense.

What elevates his MIP argument is his defensive growth and overall trust factor. Alexander-Walker is now regularly tasked with guarding top perimeter threats, using his length and discipline to disrupt opposing guards while still contributing offensively.

n a Timberwolves team with legitimate postseason aspirations, his jump from fringe rotation player to dependable, high-impact contributor fits the exact profile voters often reward when recognizing the league’s most improved player.

Keyonte George (+1000) at FanDuel

George has a compelling case as his role with the Utah Jazz continues to grow. After an up-and-down rookie season marked by efficiency swings, George has shown noticeable progress as a primary ball-handler, improving his shot selection while becoming more comfortable orchestrating the offense.

His scoring output has stabilized, and his ability to create off the dribble has made him a consistent offensive option rather than a situational one.

George’s improvement is especially evident in his feel for the game. He’s reading defenses more quickly, limiting forced attempts, and showing better command late in possessions.

On a Jazz team prioritizing development and long-term upside, George’s transition from promising young scorer to a more complete lead guard stands out. That kind of leap — combining statistical growth with clearer on-court control — is often exactly what voters look for when identifying a Most Improved Player candidate.

The Longshots

For any of these names to climb into the mix to win the NBA Most Improved Player Award, they’re going to need quite a bit of help and to go at a torrid pace to close out the season.

Each of these names has had really good seasons for their respective teams, but the players ahead of them have been better throughout the entire campaign.

If you’re looking for a name to sprinkle a small wager on players that aren;t any of the above, these are likely your best bet.

Recent NBA Most Improved Player Winners

How To Bet On The NBA Most Improved Player Award

To bet on this award, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Go to your favorite sportsbook and log into your account.

2. Select the ‘Betting On NBA’ tab.

3. Go to the ‘Player Futures’ drop-down menu.

4. Click on ‘Most Improved Player.’

5. Submit your bet in the bet-slip window.