2024 NBA MIP Odds, Favorites, and Predictions

The 2024 NBA Most Improved Player betting odds have officially been published, so we know the favorites for the award. Many talented players are in the mix, including Mikal Bridges and Jordan Poole.

Keep in mind that this award is notoriously hard to predict because of its nature. There’s an entire slate of players who could take a giant leap in 2023-24. On the plus side, the MIP odds for even the biggest favorites are very juicy! Let’s analyze the top contenders before I share my 2024 NBA Most Improved Player prediction.

Let’s focus on the main favorites to win NBA Most Improved Player. Budding superstar Mikal Bridges and Jordan Poole are the main players to consider. Also in the mix is Cade Cunningham, who should be fully healthy for 2023-24.

The winner of NBA Most Improved Player last season was Lauri Markkanen. He battled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the award until the end of the season. Surprisingly, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t win despite earning an All-NBA First-Team selection.

• Age: 27
• Position: Small Forward
• Team: Brooklyn Nets

It doesn’t surprise me that Mikal Bridges is a co-favorite in the NBA Most Improved Player odds. His scoring average per game jumped from 17.2 to 26.1 when he joined Brooklyn mid-season in 2022-23. Bridges now appears to be on the cusp of becoming an NBA superstar.

He’s an elite defender but also efficient on offense, which is an excellent combo. His shot-making skills are pretty impressive, and he’s effective at creating opportunities on offense. Bookies are also favoring him because he already looks like a complete player after getting more responsibilities on his new team.

Can Bridges deliver the same performances as his late surge in 2022-23? I think he’ll take a tiny step back but still be the leader of the Nets, so this is definitely my big favorite for the MIP Award 2024.

• Age: 24
• Position: Shooting Guard
• Team: Washington Wizards

The best basketball betting sites also favor Jordan Poole to be the Most Improved Player. He recently joined the Wizards in a trade during the off-season. Now, the expectation is that he’ll be a key player in Washington.

Poole showed his true potential last season when he was with the Warriors. In 82 games, he averaged 20.4 PPG while also shooting 43% from the field. Poole has also gotten better every year, and his ceiling appears to be pretty high.

As a new member of the Wizards, Poole should be a full-time starter. If his three-point shooting can also improve, I think he’ll contend for the award. I wouldn’t overlook Poole because he’s in a much better situation with Washington in terms of opportunities to shine.

• Age: 22
• Position: Point Guard
• Team: Detroit Pistons

Unfortunately, Cade Cunningham missed 70 games in 2022-23 due to a leg injury. However, the former No. 1 overall pick has the potential to be an NBA superstar. There’s a good chance that Cunningham could take his career to the next level this season.

Before his injury, Cunningham was scoring nearly 20.0 points per game. That’s pretty good, but I think he can be a more potent player on offense in the right scheme. Detroit’s new head coach, Monty Williams, is known for getting the most out of his players.

I think there’s a strong case for Cunningham winning Most Improved Player in 2024. If he raises his scoring average to 25.0 PPG or so, he’ll be in the running for the award.

The winner of NBA Most Improved Player in 2024 could also be a candidate no one expects. For example, the recipient in 2019 was Pascal Siakam — a player who wasn’t on anyone’s radar. You should seriously consider a few sleepers when betting on this market.

• Jaden Ivey (+6600). Ivey was better than expected during his first season in the NBA. He earned an All-Rookie Second-Team selection and averaged 16.3 PPG. If he can make a significant jump in his second campaign, he could win.
• Josh Giddey (+2200). Giddey will now enter his third NBA season, which is when players typically take a huge leap. Giddey was the best role player for Oklahoma City in 2022-23, averaging 16.6 points and 6.2 assists per game.
• Paolo Banchero (+5000). Banchero was pretty phenomenal during his rookie season in the NBA. He’s already on track to becoming one of the biggest stars in the NBA, and a giant leap in his progression will earn him the award.
• Walker Kessler (+3300). Kessler didn’t get enough credit for his defensive contributions as a rookie. Now, he’ll be the starting center for Utah this season after he averaged 8.4 rebounds per game in 2022-23.
• Deandre Ayton (+5000). Ayton is no longer with the Phoenix Suns, which could turn out to be a good thing. Now that he’s in Portland, his opportunities on offense will increase dramatically.

I think Mikal Bridges is the best option when betting on the 2024 NBA MIP. He was absolutely sensational when he joined Brooklyn in 2022-23. Bridges is also available at +900, which is a really good price for a pre-season frontrunner.

Poole is in a great situation with Washington, but Bridges has the potential to score over 30 points per game or at least get close to that. I believe Cunningham needs another season before he maximizes his potential.

The value’s on Bridges, so I’m backing him.

If you like this post, you should check my other previews of NBA futures for the 2024 season.

• NBA Scoring Leader 2024 Odds and Prediction
• NBA Rebounding Leader 2024 Odds and Prediction
• NBA Coach of the Year 2024 Odds and Prediction