NBA Most Improved Player Odds (2025-26)

The following post features NBA Most Improved Player Odds (2025-26).

As the 2025–26 NBA season nears, oddsmakers have released their Most Improved Player odds, giving bettors a clearer look at this year’s top contenders for the award.

Read: NBA Coach of the Year Odds

Related: NBA Clutch Player of the Year Odds

The NBA Most Improved Player race highlights the players expected to make the biggest leap in impact, from promising young talents to veterans entering new situations.

So, how is the NBA Most Improved Player race shaping up for 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Last season, Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks captured the Most Improved Player award, finalizing his breakout campaign with a convincing victory over Ivica Zubac (2nd place) and Cade Cunningham (3rd place). Daniels’ win was the result of a massive surge in production following an offseason trade, which saw his scoring jump by over 8 points per game. He transitioned from a bench player to a core franchise component, setting himself apart by averaging an NBA-leading 3.0 steals per game—the highest mark in over three decades—and earning recognition as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist.

Most Improved Player Award

The NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) award, which grants the winner the George Mikan Trophy, is bestowed annually upon the player who achieves the most significant leap in performance compared to previous seasons. The winner is determined by a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote based on a key criterion: recognizing an up-and-coming player who makes an unexpected, dramatic surge rather than rewarding normal career progression. This methodology heavily favors players who demonstrate a major statistical jump alongside a significant expansion or elevation of their role.

Most Improved Player Award Odds (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the NBA Most Improved Player Award. All odds were sourced on Oct 4, 2025. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Player Spotlights

Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets, +900)

Thompson is a top favorite because the narrative of increased opportunity is so clear. Following the major roster changes, the defensive specialist is expected to fully inherit a starting role and dramatically increase his playmaking duties. The betting case at +900 centers on Thompson scaling up his offensive numbers (which averaged 14.1 PPG last season) while maintaining his All-Defense-level impact. If he improves his shooting efficiency and flourishes in the new role, his statistical jump will make him hard for voters to ignore, justifying the low-risk price point.

Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers, +1200)

Nembhard’s candidacy is tied to the unfortunate reality of the Pacers’ roster—he is next in line to run the offense. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire season due to injury, Nembhard is set for the biggest usage rate of his career. He has already shown flashes of stepping up, particularly in the conference finals last year where his playmaking and scoring exploded. At +1200, this is a clear bet on volume and necessity. If Nembhard successfully shifts the Pacers’ offense to accommodate his style and maintains team competitiveness despite the loss of their star, his raw statistical jump will easily satisfy the MIP criteria.

Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers, +1700)

Avdija is a compelling mid-tier value pick based on a massive late-season surge and a major offseason pivot by the Blazers. After averaging near 23 points and 10 rebounds post-All-Star break last season, Avdija has been positioned as the clear focal point and primary initiator of Portland’s offense following key trades. At +1700, this is a bet that the volume and efficiency he showed late last year will continue for a full season in his redefined role. If the versatile forward can guide a young Portland team to even modest success in the Western Conference, his transformation from a role player to the team’s No. 1 option offers a highly narrative-rich case.

Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls, +2000)

Buzelis enters his second year as a high-risk, high-reward long shot. His candidacy is based purely on the expectation of a significant sophomore leap and the need for the Bulls to elevate him into a core offensive role. While the odds are tempting at +2000, Buzelis needs to demonstrate a jump in both efficiency and usage that moves him from prospect to proven starter. This is a classic “betting on potential” scenario, where if he immediately fulfills the promise of his length and playmaking ability, his price will skyrocket early in the season, making this a true futures investment.

Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons, +2000)

Ausar Thompson is the ultimate defensive-to-offensive leap candidate and a great value pick at +2000. He spent last season establishing himself as one of the best young perimeter defenders in the league, but his offensive game lagged. The betting case hinges on his rumored offseason improvements—if he can significantly enhance his jump shot and overall scoring efficiency. Should Thompson maintain his elite defense while pushing his scoring average into the high teens, the narrative of his well-rounded development will be overwhelmingly positive for voters, offering great long-shot return on the Pistons’ improving roster.

Most Improved Player Award Winners (2015-Present)

The table below highlights every NBA MIP Award winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Amen Thompson and Andrew Nembhard are strong favorites due to their anticipated expanded roles, Deni Avdija, Matas Buzelis, and Ausar Thompson also merit consideration as potential value picks, offering substantial returns if they make the unexpected leap to frontline stardom.