The Ascendants: Predicting the NBA’s Most Improved Players for the 2025 Season
The NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) award is arguably one of the most exciting accolades in professional sports. Unlike MVP or Defensive Player of the Year, which often celebrate consistent dominance, the MIP award champions evolution, dedication, and the thrilling ascent of a player who takes a significant leap from one season to the next. It’s a testament to unseen hours in the gym, a deeper understanding of the game, physical maturity, or simply the right opportunity finally aligning with burgeoning talent.
As we look ahead to the 2025 NBA season, the landscape is ripe with potential MIP candidates. Teams are evolving, young talent is maturing, and new coaching philosophies are taking hold. Predicting who will make that quantum leap is an exercise in identifying raw potential, understanding contextual shifts, and recognizing the subtle signs of impending stardom. This isn’t just about statistical bumps; it’s about a player transforming their impact, their role, and their overall presence on the court.
Here, we delve into a roster of promising candidates, categorizing them by the nature of their anticipated improvement, and explore the catalysts that could propel them into the MIP conversation for the 2025 season.
The Sophomore Surge: Second-Year Stars Ready to Shine
The transition from rookie to sophomore year is often where the biggest strides are made. The initial shock of the NBA wears off, bodies adapt, and players begin to understand the nuances of the professional game.
1. Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks)
Lively’s rookie season in 2023-24 was a revelation, particularly his immediate defensive impact and lob-threat ability alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He showcased elite rim protection, surprisingly nimble footwork, and a high motor. However, his offensive game outside of dunks was rudimentary, and his passing was limited. For the 2025 season, the expectation is for Lively to expand his offensive repertoire. Imagine a more consistent short-roll passing game, a developing mid-range jumper, and improved free-throw shooting. If he adds even a few post moves or a more refined screening technique, coupled with continued defensive mastery and increased strength, he could become a truly dominant two-way center. The Mavericks’ reliance on him will only grow, providing ample opportunity for his numbers and impact to explode.
2. Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)
Black entered the league as a defensive-minded point guard with exceptional size for his position, but a glaring lack of a perimeter shot. His rookie season saw flashes of his elite court vision and defensive tenacity, often stifling opposing guards. For 2025, the leap for Black will hinge almost entirely on his offensive development, specifically his shooting. If he can improve his three-point percentage from the low 30s to the mid-30s, and become a more confident attacker of the rim, his value to the Magic will skyrocket. With Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero demanding attention, Black’s improved scoring and playmaking from the point guard spot could unlock a new dimension for Orlando’s offense, making him a prime MIP candidate.
The Breakout Barrage: Players Primed for Stardom
These are players who have shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t yet put together a full, consistent season that matches their potential. The 2025 season could be their coming-out party.
3. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
Johnson’s 2023-24 season was marked by tantalizing glimpses of a versatile, athletic forward with a developing all-around game, but also by frustrating injuries that limited his availability. When healthy, he showcased improved three-point shooting, dynamic playmaking for his size, and disruptive defense. For 2025, if Johnson can stay healthy and assume a larger, more consistent role – potentially as a foundational piece regardless of the Hawks’ future roster moves – his numbers could skyrocket. A fully healthy Johnson, refining his decision-making and becoming a more consistent rebounder and secondary creator, could transform into a genuine triple-double threat on a nightly basis, making him one of the league’s most impactful two-way forwards and a leading MIP candidate.
4. Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Dieng is a more speculative pick, but one with immense upside. On a talent-laden Thunder squad, his opportunities have been sporadic. However, his physical tools – a 6’10” frame with guard skills, fluidity, and defensive versatility – are undeniable. The Thunder’s development pipeline is renowned, and if Dieng can solidify his jump shot, improve his decision-making under pressure, and find a consistent role, he could make a massive leap. The 2025 season might be when the Thunder, needing more size and versatility, truly unleash Dieng. A significant increase in minutes, coupled with a more confident and efficient game, could see him go from end-of-bench prospect to a crucial rotation player, surprising many and earning MIP consideration.
5. Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
Kuminga showed significant improvement in the latter half of the 2023-24 season, demonstrating increased efficiency, a more aggressive attacking mentality, and flashes of improved defensive discipline. However, consistency and a defined role within the Warriors’ veteran-heavy lineup have been challenges. For 2025, if Kuminga can build on that momentum, refine his shot selection, and truly commit to being a dominant two-way force, he could take another, even bigger leap. With the Warriors potentially transitioning from their dynasty core, Kuminga’s opportunity to become a primary scorer and defender could expand dramatically. If he can average over 20 points efficiently while guarding multiple positions, he’ll be a strong contender.
The Veteran’s Resurgence: New Roles, New Leases on Life
Sometimes, improvement isn’t about raw talent emerging, but about an established player finding a new gear, a new role, or simply a new level of efficiency and impact.
6. Anfernee Simons (Portland Trail Blazers)
Simons has already proven himself as a prolific scorer, capable of erupting for huge nights. However, his overall efficiency, playmaking, and defensive engagement have been areas for growth. In the 2025 season, with the Blazers’ youth movement fully underway and potentially a more defined offensive system, Simons could emerge not just as a scorer, but as a truly efficient, high-volume primary offensive option. If he can elevate his assists, reduce turnovers, and show more consistent effort on the defensive end, while maintaining his scoring punch, his overall impact and advanced metrics could paint the picture of a vastly improved player. The narrative of him evolving into a true lead guard and franchise cornerstone would be compelling for MIP voters.
7. Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)
Kessler established himself as one of the league’s premier shot-blockers in his rookie season, but his sophomore campaign saw some regression and inconsistency, particularly on the offensive end and in rebounding. For 2025, Kessler is poised for a significant bounce-back and improvement. If he can regain his defensive dominance, become a more consistent rebounder (especially on the offensive glass), and crucially, develop any semblance of an offensive game beyond lobs and put-backs – perhaps a reliable free-throw stroke or a short hook shot – his value will skyrocket. A more robust and physically dominant Kessler, leading a Jazz defense, could easily put him back in the MIP conversation.
The Dark Horses and Under-the-Radar Candidates
Beyond the more obvious choices, there are always a few players who surprise everyone. These are individuals who might be on the cusp due to coaching changes, increased opportunity, or simply a delayed but powerful developmental curve.
8. Dyson Daniels (New Orleans Pelicans)
Daniels possesses elite defensive potential and good playmaking instincts, but his offensive game, especially his shooting, has lagged. If he makes a substantial leap in his three-point efficiency and confidence as an attacker, becoming a reliable “3-and-D” plus playmaker, his impact on the Pelicans will be undeniable, especially given their perennial search for two-way wings.
9. Isaiah Jackson (Indiana Pacers)
Jackson is an athletic, bouncy big man who thrives in transition and as a rim-runner. If he can secure a more consistent role, improve his defensive discipline (fouling less), and become a more reliable rebounder, his raw athletic tools could translate into significantly improved per-game numbers and defensive impact for the Pacers.
10. Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat)
The Heat’s development system is renowned for extracting the most out of players. Jovic has shown flashes of his versatile skill set as a big wing who can shoot, pass, and handle the ball. If he gains strength, becomes more consistent with his shot, and earns a larger role in Erik Spoelstra’s system, he could be Miami’s next breakout player, fitting perfectly into their versatile, positionless style.
The Catalysts for Change
What truly drives these improvements? It’s rarely just one thing.
- Physical Maturity: Young players simply get stronger, faster, and more durable.
- Increased Opportunity: A trade, an injury to a teammate, or a shift in team strategy can open up significant minutes and a larger role.
- Coaching & Development: Dedicated coaching staffs who identify and work on specific weaknesses can unlock new dimensions in a player’s game.
- Mental Growth: Understanding the game at a deeper level, improving decision-making, and gaining confidence are crucial.
- Injury Recovery: Returning to full health after a debilitating injury can allow a player to finally showcase their true capabilities.
- Role Definition: Sometimes, a player just needs a clear, consistent role within a system to thrive.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA season promises to be a thrilling showcase of player development. The Most Improved Player award isn’t just about individual statistics; it’s about a narrative of growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From second-year phenoms shedding their rookie skins to seasoned veterans rediscovering their spark, the race for MIP will highlight the dynamic nature of the NBA and the endless potential within its most dedicated athletes. Witnessing these players blossom into their full potential is one of the true joys of following the league, and the 2025 campaign is set to deliver an abundance of such compelling stories.
