NBA: Top 5 favorites to win the 2023-2024 Most Improved Player of the Year (November 2023)

Some NBA players were given the opportunity to shine immediately right after they entered the league, which gave them the chance to prove themselves to everyone. However, there are others who need a bit of time to develop. More often than not, these guys need years to reach their true potential. The 2023-2024 season is no different as there are younger guys in the league slowly taking their game to the next level. Here are 5 of these players who are favorites to win the 2023-2024 Most Improved Player of the Year.

5. Alperen Sengun

Not only did Alperen Sengun get taller (came in the league as 6-foot-9 but is now listed as 6-foot-11), but he’s also gotten better than he was last year. The Turkish big man was a standout in his rookie and sophomore seasons in Houston, but his team is still at the far end of the West. Back in 2022, the Rockets chose Sengun over Christian Wood, which makes a lot of sense now as the young center is actually way better than Wood.

Alperen. Sengun. that was nice 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/7TJmYAAU5x

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 11, 2023

The 21-year-old Sengun continues to improve his game despite already having an excellent post move and footwork. Even though there was a huge change in the Rockets’ roster during the 2023 offseason, Sengun was still able to adapt and contribute even more with his stats going up significantly. Sengun bumps up his scoring and playmaking ability while also being more efficient in his shooting percentage.

4. Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes was drafted in the same class as Sengun, but the Toronto Raptors forward won the 2022 Rookie of the Year award over Cleveland Cavaliers’ defensive big man Evan Mobley with just 5 voting points.

30 PTS (5 3PM)
11 REB
6 AST
3 STL
3 BLK

Scottie Barnes came up BIG in the OT win! pic.twitter.com/5pi9CanC5R

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 5, 2023

Right now, Barnes hasn’t just improved, it also seems he’s slowly breaking out as the Raptors’ centerpiece while also solidifying his name as one of the league’s best two-way players. Almost all of his averages skyrocketed from last season like points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, suggesting that Barnes is really on the path to becoming a star. He’s also become slightly more efficient and effective with his shooting while playing almost similar minutes as last year (about 35 MPG). Will this be a breakout season for Scottie Barnes?

3. Shaedon Sharpe

Trailblazers sophomore Shaedon Sharpe found a great opportunity, thanks to the Damian Lillard trade. After Dame was sent to Milwaukee, 2022 7th overall pick Shaedon Sharpe’s minutes were bumped from 22 minutes to now playing almost 40 minutes a game.

Shaedon Sharpe so far this season:

20.5 PPG
5.5 RPG
45% FG
38% 3PT
86% FT

(🎥 @7rsterling) https://t.co/2CulYtX6G2

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 4, 2023

Last season, Sharpe was only averaging 10 points a game. But, with Blazers’ head coach Chauncey Billups giving the young guard more playing time, Sharpe now scores about 20 points a night.

2. Cam Thomas

Ice Cold Killer. The Brooklyn Nets were left shattered after the implosion of the big three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. However, it seems that this team turned out to be better than it was before. Ben Simmons is looking like he’s finding his confidence again while Mikal Bridges is out there playing very well. The biggest shocker in this squad is the 22-year-old Cam Thomas.

Giannis 🆚 Cam Thomas was a battle 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ir03GYCJ5N

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 7, 2023

Well, it’s not completely shocking as this enigmatic kid has shown flashes of his scoring ability last season. Less than 10 games in the 2023-2024 season and Thomas already leads the Nets in points with 26.9 points per game. The Nets are now rebuilding, but they may have found the guy to build around. With Simmons and Bridges as the defensive anchors, there’s no way this team doesn’t even make at least the play-in tournament.

1. Most Improved Player of the Year frontrunner: Tyrese Maxey

After James Harden’s departure, it was evident that the Sixers should find someone to pair with Joel Embiid. Thankfully for them, they don’t have to look any further.

The Sixers are on FIRE 🔥

They picked up their 7th straight W last night and sit 1st in the East.

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey showed out in the win 👀

Embiid: 33 PTS, 16 REB, 2 BLK
Maxey: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST, 3 STL
pic.twitter.com/44rECfSuTf

— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2023

Tyrese Maxey, the 4-year veteran out of Kentucky, suddenly becomes the second go-to guy in Philadelphia.
It’s also a great possibility that Maxey will be named an All-Star in 2024, given that he’s putting on an absolutely amazing display of talent every time he holds the ball. Did the Sixers win the James Harden trade? Definitely.