As the NBA's regular season draws to a close, the league's awards races have begun to heat up, with the top players contending to take home some hardware.
One race that has truly started to firm is the Most Improved Player, with one first-time All-Star looking to run away with the honour.
But can a surging Australian pull off an all-time upset?
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Who will win NBA Most Improved Player?
It seems all-but-certain that Detroit Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham is set to win the 2024/25 Most Improved Player award, after both he and his team took a monumental leap.
The former number one overall pick had somewhat struggled during his first three career seasons, but things all fell into place for Cunningham this season, averaging 25.2 points and 9.4 assists per game en route to his first All-Star selection.
He has also spurred a resurgent season for the Pistons, currently 34-27 good for sixth in the East, one year removed from a disastrous 14-68 campaign that saw them tie the record for most consecutive losses.
This season from Cunningham has him primed to win MIP this year, with Detroit fans hoping that his top form can continue deep into the playoffs.
Dyson Daniels Most Improved Player odds
Another guard having an impressively improved season is Dyson Daniels, who has blossomed into a defensive juggernaut after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Atlanta Hawks during the off-season.
Daniels is leading the league in both steals and deflections by a wide margin, currently a top-three contender for Defensive Player of the Year, while doubling his points per game and generally raising his offensive production.
The Australian has become a key piece of the Hawks alongside backcourt running mate Trae Young, and according to bookmaker Sportsbet he is the fourth-favourite to win the award, paying relatively long odds at $36.00.
He will have a lot of ground to cover if he wants to truly challenge Cunningham and the others for this award, but even if he misses the honour Daniels has truly levelled up his game in 2024/25.
NBA Most Improved Player 2024/25 odds
Per bookmaker Sportsbet
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