NBA Most Improved Prediction Markets: Four Players That Might Win It

The most controversial award in the NBA is arguably Most Improved Player. There are no metrics, no parameters and no rules that determine who may win the award. 

There have been years where MIP was a solid player who turned into an All-Star, some who became a known commodity after being a no-name. This is always the toughest award to predict.

Here are some of the favorites to take home Most Improved Player in 2027 according to Kalshi.

Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets (52% Chance, 21¢ Yes)

The 23-year-old athletic phenom is one of the most explosive players in the game. Thompson has been known as a terrific defender, who racks up tons of highlight plays with his nuclear athleticism.

But he needs to make a leap offensively in order to take the next step as a player. Amen Thompson’s improvement will come as a scorer and a jump shooter. He’s already been working with shooting coach Chip Engelland to fix his perimeter game. If Thompson can become a bonafide 22-point per game scorer, he will be in the Most Improved Player race and the Houston Rockets will be a tough out in the West.

Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies (21% Chance, 42¢ Yes)

The former Virginia champion has taken leaps with Cleveland and Memphis these last two years. Jerome has looked like an offensive star with the ball in his hands. But his biggest issue has been staying on the court. In seven years as a pro, he has only had one healthy season, and that was his breakout year with the Cleveland Cavs.

If he can play enough games, Jerome could become an elite scorer for Memphis. The Grizzlies need a player to put up lots of points, and Jerome averaged nearly 20 points per game last year in less than 23 minutes. With an increase in minutes, Jerome has the potential to put up All-Star level numbers.

Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs (12% Chance, 24¢ Yes)

The second-year stud put the NBA on notice with his incredible performance in San Antonio’s Finals run last year. At just 20 years of age, Harper is poised for a special sophomore season. It sounds like he will become a full-time starter alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

For me personally though, I think if someone like Harper were to win Most Improved Player, the NBA needs to get rid of the award. What is the point of giving out a trophy to a second overall pick improving from his rookie season? I think he will have a terrific year and a fantastic career, but he should not be in the conversation to win this award.

Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls (7% Chance, 23¢ Yes)

Chicago fans are excited to see what Buzelis has in store for his third NBA season. He doubled his points per game average last season, and could be in for another jump. The Chicago native isn’t the strongest physically just yet, but he has shown the capability of putting the ball in the cup in a lot of different ways.

The Bulls have a lot of mouths to feed in their new-look starting lineup, but Buzelis will be right in the mix to take another leap this year.