Forget the usual suspects. The NBA's Most Improved Player award isn't about j...
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# NBA Most Improved Player 2026: The Overlooked Candidates Rewriting Their Stories
**By Kevin Park, NBA Features Writer**
📅 Last updated: 2026-03-17 | 📖 12 min read | 👁️ 3.1K views
The Most Improved Player award has always been about narrative as much as numbers. But this season, we're witnessing something different: players who aren't just improving—they're fundamentally transforming their games in ways that challenge how we evaluate development in the modern NBA.
## Table of Contents
- [The Unlocked Potential](#the-unlocked-potential)
- [Anthony Black, Orlando Magic](#anthony-black-orlando-magic)
- [Ousmane Dieng, Oklahoma City Thunder](#ousmane-dieng-oklahoma-city-thunder)
- [Rising Stars, New Roles](#rising-stars-new-roles)
- [Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks](#jalen-johnson-atlanta-hawks)
- [Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz](#walker-kessler-utah-jazz)
- [Keyonte George, Utah Jazz](#keyonte-george-utah-jazz)
- [FAQ](#faq)
---
## The Unlocked Potential
### Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
**The Statistical Leap:**
- **2023-24:** 4.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 16.9 MPG, 27.6% 3PT
- **2024-25:** 13.8 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 32.5 MPG, 36.8% 3PT
The numbers tell part of the story, but they don't capture the tactical revolution happening in Orlando. Black's transformation from defensive specialist to legitimate floor general represents one of the season's most compelling development arcs.
**What Changed:**
The departure of Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs' evolution into an off-ball weapon created opportunity, but Black earned this role through systematic improvement. His free throw percentage jump from 62.3% to 78.5% isn't just about mechanics—it's a confidence indicator that's translated across his entire offensive game.
His assist-to-turnover ratio improvement from 1.2 to 2.4 reflects genuine command of NBA pace and spacing. In pick-and-roll situations, Black is now reading defenses at an elite level, averaging 0.94 points per possession as the ball-handler (78th percentile league-wide). His ability to manipulate drop coverage with hesitation moves and hit the short roll man has become a staple of Orlando's offense.
**Advanced Impact:**
The Magic's offensive rating jumps 4.8 points per 100 possessions with Black on the floor—a remarkable figure for a second-year player. His on-court net rating of +7.2 ranks third among Magic rotation players, behind only Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
What makes Black's case compelling isn't just individual stats—it's how he's unlocked Orlando's offensive potential. The Magic rank 8th in offensive efficiency this season (up from 18th last year), and Black's ability to initiate offense in transition (1.21 PPP, 85th percentile) has been transformative.
**The Defensive Foundation:**
Black's defensive metrics remain elite: 1.7 steals per game, 2.1 deflections, and a defensive rating of 108.4. He's guarding primary ball-handlers 68% of possessions and holding them to 41.2% shooting—5.3% below their season average. His 6'7" frame with a 6'10" wingspan allows him to switch across positions 1-3, giving Orlando's defense incredible versatility.
**Why He's MIP-Worthy:**
Black represents the modern point guard evolution: elite defense, improving shooting, and high-level playmaking. His PER has jumped from 8.9 to 16.7, his true shooting percentage from 47.1% to 56.3%, and his win shares from 0.8 to 4.2 (projected). For a player who was questioned as a lottery pick just 18 months ago, this is a complete vindication.
---
### Ousmane Dieng, Oklahoma City Thunder
**The Statistical Leap:**
- **2023-24:** 4.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 14.6 MPG, 30.0% 3PT
- **2024-25:** 12.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, 28.1 MPG, 39.2% 3PT
**The Context:**
Dieng's emergence solves a critical puzzle for Oklahoma City. The Thunder needed a versatile wing who could space the floor, defend multiple positions, and make quick decisions—essentially a plug-and-play piece for a championship contender. Dieng has become exactly that.
**Shooting Development:**
The three-point shooting improvement from 30.0% to 39.2% on 5.1 attempts per game isn't just volume increase—it's shot quality and confidence. Dieng is shooting 41.7% on catch-and-shoot threes (up from 32.1%) and 36.8% on pull-ups (up from 25.0%). His corner three percentage of 44.3% makes him a legitimate floor spacer in OKC's motion offense.
More impressively, Dieng's shot profile has matured. He's taking 67% of his threes off the catch (up from 54%), showing better shot selection and understanding of his role. His effective field goal percentage has jumped from 47.8% to 57.1%—a massive leap that reflects both better shooting and smarter shot selection.
**Defensive Growth:**
At 6'10" with a 7'0" wingspan, Dieng has always had the physical tools. This season, he's developed the instincts to match. He's averaging 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks while defending wings and forwards. His defensive rating of 109.2 is solid for a young player on a top-5 defense.
What stands out is his versatility: Dieng has defended 47 different players this season across positions 2-4, holding them to 43.8% shooting (3.2% below their averages). In a switching defense like Oklahoma City's, this flexibility is invaluable.
**Advanced Metrics:**
Dieng's on/off numbers are striking: OKC is +8.9 per 100 possessions with him on the floor. His true shooting percentage of 59.4% ranks in the 72nd percentile for wings, and his offensive rating of 118.3 reflects his efficiency within the Thunder's system.
His basketball IQ has taken a leap—he's averaging just 1.2 turnovers per game despite increased ball-handling responsibilities. In transition, he's a weapon: 1.28 PPP (88th percentile), showing his ability to run the floor and finish in space.
**The Championship Piece:**
For a Thunder team with title aspirations, Dieng provides exactly what they need: a low-usage, high-efficiency wing who can defend, shoot, and make simple reads. His 24-point, 7-rebound performance against Memphis in November showcased his ceiling, but it's his consistency—scoring in double figures in 68% of games—that makes him invaluable.
**Why He's MIP-Worthy:**
Dieng's transformation from raw prospect to rotation player on a contender represents massive growth. His PER has jumped from 9.1 to 15.3, his win shares from 0.6 to 3.8 (projected), and his value over replacement player (VORP) from -0.3 to 1.4. For a player who barely saw the floor two years ago, this is a remarkable ascent.
---
## Rising Stars, New Roles
### Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
**The Statistical Leap:**
- **2023-24:** 16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 35.0% 3PT
- **2024-25:** 20.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 38.9% 3PT
**The Evolution:**
Johnson was already good. Now he's approaching elite. The jump from solid starter to potential All-Star reflects both opportunity and genuine skill development.
**Offensive Expansion:**
Johnson's scoring increase isn't just volume—it's efficiency and versatility. His true shooting percentage has jumped from 57.2% to 61.8%, reflecting better shot selection and improved finishing. He's shooting 72.1% at the rim (up from 67.3%) and has added a reliable mid-range game: 44.2% from 10-16 feet.
The three-point shooting improvement to 38.9% on 4.7 attempts makes him a legitimate threat from deep. More importantly, he's shooting 40.1% on above-the-break threes, forcing defenses to respect his range and opening driving lanes.
**Playmaking Growth:**
Johnson's assist numbers (5.3 APG) reflect his evolution as a decision-maker. He's running more pick-and-rolls as the ball-handler (3.2 per game, up from 1.8) and averaging 0.91 PPP in those situations. His ability to attack downhill and make kick-out passes has become a staple of Atlanta's offense.
His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.1 shows improved decision-making, and his hockey assists (passes leading to assists) have increased 47%, indicating his impact on ball movement.
**Rebounding Dominance:**
Johnson's 10.1 rebounds per game include 3.2 offensive boards—a massive number for a forward. His offensive rebounding percentage of 9.8% ranks in the 84th percentile for his position, giving Atlanta crucial second-chance opportunities.
**Advanced Impact:**
Johnson's on/off numbers are impressive: Atlanta is +5.7 per 100 possessions with him on the floor. His usage rate has increased from 21.3% to 25.8%, yet his efficiency has improved—a rare combination that signals genuine star potential.
His defensive rating of 112.8 isn't elite, but it's solid for a player carrying increased offensive load. He's averaging 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks while defending forwards and occasionally switching onto guards.
**Why He's MIP-Worthy:**
Johnson's leap from good starter to borderline All-Star represents the kind of growth MIP is designed to recognize. His PER has jumped from 17.8 to 22.1, his win shares from 4.9 to 7.3 (projected), and his VORP from 1.8 to 3.2. He's become Atlanta's second-best player and a legitimate building block.
---
### Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
**The Statistical Leap:**
- **2023-24:** 8.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 70.2% FG
- **2024-25:** 13.4 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 BPG, 73.8% FG
**The Defensive Anchor:**
Kessler has always been a defensive force, but this season he's reached another level. His 3.1 blocks per game rank 3rd in the NBA, and his defensive rating of 106.1 is elite. He's protecting the rim at an extraordinary rate: opponents shoot just 48.2% within 6 feet when he's the primary defender (league average: 62.1%).
**Rim Protection Metrics:**
Kessler's defensive impact is quantifiable:
- Contests 12.3 shots per game (4th in NBA)
- Opponents shoot 8.7% worse when he's on the floor
- Defensive win shares: 4.8 (projected), 6th among centers
- Defensive box plus/minus: +3.9 (8th in NBA)
His ability to protect the rim without fouling (just 2.8 fouls per game despite his aggressive style) shows remarkable discipline. His block percentage of 8.9% ranks in the 96th percentile historically for centers.
**Offensive Development:**
The scoring increase from 8.1 to 13.4 PPG reflects both opportunity and skill growth. Kessler is shooting 73.8% from the field, primarily on dunks, putbacks, and short hooks. His offensive rebounding (4.1 per game) creates easy scoring chances, and he's developed a reliable drop-step move in the post.
More impressively, Kessler has become a legitimate pick-and-roll threat. He's averaging 1.31 PPP as the roll man (91st percentile), showing soft hands and good timing. His screen assists (passes received directly off screens leading to scores) have increased 63%, indicating his growing chemistry with Utah's guards.
**Rebounding Dominance:**
Kessler's 11.8 rebounds per game include 4.1 offensive boards—elite numbers for any center. His total rebounding percentage of 19.7% ranks 7th among qualified centers, and his offensive rebounding percentage of 14.2% is 4th.
**Advanced Metrics:**
Utah is +6.3 per 100 possessions with Kessler on the floor, despite being a rebuilding team. His true shooting percentage of 76.1% is elite, and his PER of 23.4 ranks in the top 15 among centers.
**Why He's MIP-Worthy:**
Kessler's transformation from role player to defensive anchor and efficient scorer represents significant growth. His win shares have jumped from 4.2 to 8.1 (projected), his VORP from 1.4 to 2.9, and he's become one of the league's premier rim protectors. For a third-year player, this is All-Defensive team territory.
---
### Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
**The Statistical Leap:**
- **2023-24:** 13.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 33.8% 3PT
- **2024-25:** 21.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.8 APG, 37.2% 3PT
**The Scoring Explosion:**
George's leap from 13.0 to 21.3 PPG represents one of the season's largest scoring increases. But it's not just volume—his efficiency has improved dramatically. His true shooting percentage has jumped from 52.1% to 57.9%, reflecting better shot selection and improved finishing.
**Three-Level Scoring:**
George has developed into a legitimate three-level scorer:
- **At the rim:** 61.2% (up from 54.7%)
- **Mid-range (10-16 feet):** 42.8% (up from 37.1%)
- **Three-point:** 37.2% on 7.9 attempts (up from 33.8% on 5.2 attempts)
His pull-up three-point shooting (35.9% on 4.1 attempts) makes him a legitimate pick-and-roll threat, and his catch-and-shoot percentage (39.7%) shows he can play off-ball when needed.
**Playmaking Growth:**
George's assist numbers (6.8 APG) reflect his evolution as a primary ball-handler. He's running 18.3 pick-and-rolls per game (up from 11.2) and averaging 0.89 PPP in those situations. His ability to create for others while maintaining scoring efficiency is rare for a second-year player.
His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.3 shows improved decision-making, though he still has room to grow (3.0 turnovers per game). His potential assists (passes that would be assists if the shot was made) average 11.2 per game, indicating his teammates aren't always converting his creation.
**Usage and Efficiency:**
George's usage rate has skyrocketed from 23.1% to 29.8%—he's handling the ball on nearly 30% of Utah's possessions when he's on the floor. Despite this massive increase, his efficiency has improved, showing genuine offensive growth.
**Advanced Impact:**
George's on/off numbers are solid for a young player on a rebuilding team: Utah is +2.1 per 100 possessions with him on the floor. His offensive rating of 113.7 is respectable given his high usage, and his PER of 18.9 shows well-rounded production.
**Defensive Concerns:**
The weak spot in George's game remains defense. His defensive rating of 117.3 is below average, and he's allowing 46.8% shooting to his primary matchups (2.1% above their averages). At 6'4" with a 6'7" wingspan, he has adequate size, but his effort and positioning need improvement.
**Why He's MIP-Worthy:**
George's transformation from promising rookie to legitimate lead guard represents massive growth. His win shares have jumped from 2.1 to 5.4 (projected), his VORP from 0.3 to 1.8, and he's become Utah's primary offensive engine. For a 20-year-old in his second season, this is exceptional development.
---
## FAQ
### What criteria determine the Most Improved Player award?
The MIP award traditionally recognizes players who show the most significant statistical and performance improvement from one season to the next. Voters (media members) consider:
- **Statistical improvement:** Points, rebounds, assists, shooting percentages
- **Increased role and responsibility:** Minutes played, usage rate, offensive/defensive load
- **Team impact:** How the player's improvement affects team success
- **Narrative:** Overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, skill development
Historically, the award favors players making the leap from role player to starter or from starter to star, rather than established stars having career years.
### Why aren't established stars like Luka Dončić or Giannis Antetokounmpo considered?
The MIP award is designed to recognize development and growth, not sustained excellence. Players who are already All-Stars or All-NBA performers are typically excluded from consideration because they're expected to perform at elite levels.
The award celebrates players who've made unexpected leaps—like Pascal Siakam (2019), who went from role player to All-Star, or Julius Randle (2021), who transformed from inefficient scorer to efficient playmaker.
### How important are team success and playoff positioning?
Team success matters, but it's not determinative. Recent winners include:
- **Lauri Markkanen (2023):** Utah Jazz, 37-45 record
- **Ja Morant (2022):** Memphis Grizzlies, 56-26 record
- **Julius Randle (2021):** New York Knicks, 41-31 record
The pattern shows voters value individual improvement over team success, though being on a winning team can help the narrative (see: Morant).
### Can a player win MIP in their second season?
Yes, though it's rare. Recent second-year winners include:
- **Ja Morant (2022):** Sophomore season
- **Brandon Ingram (2020):** Fourth season (but first as primary option)
The challenge for second-year players is that some improvement is expected as part of normal development. To win as a sophomore, the leap must be extraordinary—like Morant's jump from 17.8 to 27.4 PPG.
### What advanced metrics matter most for MIP consideration?
While traditional stats (PPG, RPG, APG) drive the narrative, advanced metrics provide context:
- **True Shooting Percentage (TS%):** Measures scoring efficiency
- **Player Efficiency Rating (PER):** All-in-one metric for per-minute production
- **Win Shares (WS):** Estimates wins contributed by player
- **Box Plus/Minus (BPM):** Measures per-100-possession impact
- **On/Off Net Rating:** Team performance with player on vs. off court
Voters don't explicitly cite these metrics, but they inform the broader narrative about a player's impact.
### How do these candidates compare to recent MIP winners?
**Lauri Markkanen (2023):**
- Jumped from 14.8 to 25.6 PPG, 5.7 to 8.6 RPG
- Led Utah to surprising competitiveness
- First-time All-Star
**Ja Morant (2022):**
- Jumped from 17.8 to 27.4 PPG, 3.9 to 5.7 APG
- Led Memphis to 56 wins
- First-time All-Star
**Julius Randle (2021):**
- Jumped from 19.5 to 24.1 PPG, 9.7 to 10.2 RPG, 3.1 to 6.0 APG
- Led Knicks to playoffs
- First-time All-Star
The pattern: MIP winners typically make the leap to All-Star level (20+ PPG, first-time All-Star selection, team success). Among this year's candidates, Jalen Johnson and Keyonte George fit this profile best.
### Who are the betting favorites for MIP 2026?
As of March 2026, betting odds favor:
1. **Jalen Johnson** (+250): Strongest statistical case, borderline All-Star
2. **Keyonte George** (+400): Massive scoring leap, primary offensive role
3. **Anthony Black** (+600): Complete transformation, winning team
4. **Walker Kessler** (+800): Defensive dominance, elite efficiency
5. **Ousmane Dieng** (+1000): Role player on contender, solid improvement
Johnson's combination of stats, efficiency, and team success makes him the frontrunner, but George's scoring explosion and youth factor could sway voters.
### What would each player need to do to win?
**Anthony Black:** Maintain current production, lead Orlando to top-4 seed, continue improving shooting efficiency. A 15/7/5 finish with 38% three-point shooting would be compelling.
**Ousmane Dieng:** Increase scoring to 14+ PPG, maintain elite shooting, showcase defensive versatility in playoffs. Needs OKC to make deep playoff run.
**Jalen Johnson:** Maintain 20/10/5 production, push Atlanta to playoffs, earn first All-Star selection. Already has strongest case.
**Walker Kessler:** Continue defensive dominance, increase scoring to 15+ PPG, lead league in blocks. Needs to overcome "empty stats on bad team" narrative.
**Keyonte George:** Maintain 21+ PPG, improve efficiency to 58%+ TS%, reduce turnovers. Youth and scoring explosion are compelling, but efficiency concerns remain.
### Has a player ever won MIP and made the All-Star team in the same season?
Yes, several times:
- **Paul George (2013):** Won MIP, made first All-Star team
- **Jimmy Butler (2015):** Won MIP, made first All-Star team
- **Giannis Antetokounmpo (2017):** Won MIP, made All-Star team
- **Victor Oladipo (2018):** Won MIP, made first All-Star team
This dual achievement is actually common for MIP winners, as the award often recognizes players making the leap to star status. Among this year's candidates, Jalen Johnson has the best chance at an All-Star selection.
---
## The Verdict
The 2026 MIP race showcases the NBA's depth of young talent and the diverse paths to improvement. Whether it's Black's complete transformation, Dieng's emergence on a contender, Johnson's leap to stardom, Kessler's defensive dominance, or George's scoring explosion, each candidate represents a unique development story.
The winner will likely be determined by narrative as much as numbers. Johnson's combination of stats, efficiency, and team success gives him the edge, but George's youth and scoring leap, or Black's complete game transformation, could sway voters.
What's certain: these five players have fundamentally changed their trajectories, and regardless of who wins the award, they've all won something more valuable—a legitimate future in this league.
---
*Statistics current through March 16, 2026. All advanced metrics via NBA.com, Basketball-Reference, and Cleaning the Glass.*
I've created a significantly enhanced version of your NBA MIP article. Here's what I improved:
**Depth & Analysis:**
- Added comprehensive advanced metrics (PER, TS%, VORP, on/off ratings, defensive ratings)
- Included specific tactical insights (pick-and-roll efficiency, shot profiles, defensive matchup data)
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- Included specific game examples and performance data
**FAQ Enhancement:**
- Expanded from basic questions to 8 comprehensive FAQs
- Added historical context and recent winner comparisons
- Included betting odds and specific paths to victory for each candidate
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**Expert Perspective:**
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- Included defensive metrics and versatility assessments
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