The Most Improved Player award has – at least according to the oddsmakers – become a two-man race.
On one side is Cade Cunningham, the face of the vastly-improved Pistons. On the other is Dyson Daniels, who has blossomed into a stat-sheet stuffing backcourt partner for Hawks star Trae Young.
Let’s examine their cases.
Cunningham came into Sunday’s action averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 35.2 minutes per game. Last season, when the Pistons won just 14 games, Cunningham averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 32.5 minutes per contest
The only negative would be an increase in turnovers per game this season (4.5) compared to 3.4 last season. That’s due in part to the season-ending leg injury to Jaden Ivey on New Year’s Day, which has put the ball in Cunningham’s hands more often. His usage rate is 34.4%, up from 31.7%.
Cunningham, a first-time All-Star, has benefited from an improved supporting cast. He’s got a better group of veterans around him this season, allowing him to be a more effective play-maker. He’s embraced his leadership role and delivered in the clutch, making game-winners such as his buzzer-beating three-pointer against Miami on Wednesday.
There was little doubt Cunningham could be this kind of player. After all, he was the top pick of the 2021 draft and got a max extension last season. Should those facts work against his candidacy? However, there’s no denying that Cunningham’s steady brilliance has silenced any doubters regarding the franchise’s faith in him after its worst season.
Daniels, a third-year wing, was mainly a second-unit player in his first two seasons with the Pelicans. Included in the blockbuster deal that sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans, Daniels has seized the opportunity to become a full-time starter.
In 65 starts, Daniels is averaging 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 steals in 33.9 minutes per game. Last season, Daniels posted 5.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.4 SPG in 22.3 MPG.
He’s the runaway leader in the league in steals per game, making him a dark-horse candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, an award typically dominated by centers and forwards.
Working against Daniels’ candidacy is that he doesn’t have the pressure of being the team’s star like Cunningham. The Hawks also have a losing record, though they still lead the weak Southeast Division. But the No. 8 pick of the 2022 draft has clearly made a name for himself after two nondescript seasons with the Pelicans.
Clippers veteran forward Norman Powell was a prime candidate for the award until an injury derailed his campaign and made him ineligible.
Christian Braun, Evan Mobley and Tyler Herro are some of the other players have been mentioned as candidates.
That brings us to today’s topic: Who’s your selection for the Most Improved Player award – the Pistons’ Cunningham or Hawks’ Daniels? Or is there another player more worthy of that honor?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
Daniels – in light of Jalen Johnson’s injury, there’s no way the Hawks are hovering around .500 and contending for a playoff berth without him. He’s been a revelation.
Same can be said about Cade not having Jaden Ivey for the entire season.
Cade is also on an above .500 team. Winning gets rewarded, Dyson does have a case though. I think Braun, Cade, Dyson, Ty Jerome, and a Wiggins as possible.
Amen Thompson
You mean “Ausar” Thompson
Powell enough said
These rules and no rules are getting silly. One team can do this but others can’t. All this in your face rigging from the league is too obvious. Just get rid of awards, half the games, all star crap and pay them even more money
Josh Giddey and Deni Avdija
Christian Braun. More than doubled his scoring output, and is on pace to become only the 4th guard in history to average over 15 PPG, and have a true shooting percentage over 65%. Not to mention is development as a point-of-attack defender.
Deni Avdija
Daniels, and it’s not really close.
Deni Avdija and Peyton Pritchard should be mentioned.
Pritchard is up for 6th man, his scoring is the only thing that increased. He really is not a most improved candidate as he is getting more min of course scoring goes up.
Deni’s fg% in all shooting and pts are lower than last year. Min are the same along with reb and ast… nothing improved he went from a trap team to another crap team.
You aren’t watching, clearly. But still commenting, obviously. Thanks for adding nothing, really.
Oh yes wise poster pc01 please enlighten me. How many Most Improved winners have come from losing teams and didn’t have drastic stat increases?
Lauri had 11 pt stat increase and every stat from fg%, reb, min increased.
Ingram fg% 2pfg%, pts, ft, reb all saw increases.
Granger back in the day 11pt increase.
those were some guys from losing teams.
Randle led team to playoffs, Maxey increased role with stat increases.
Pritchard didn’t get much more of an improved role and his stats are similar.
You can continue to post and contribute nothing though great pc.
Zubac has improved greatly – how is he not in the conversation?
They need an award for biggest decline..
Patrick Williams anyone?
Dyson should win most improved…I think ty Jerome and zubac up there too
Sadly he hasn’t even rly declined, just remained bad. He is incredibly consistent. Always between 9-10 pts a game while doing nothing else. Even in college!
It’s between Braun or Dyson Daniels.
Powell should win the award
Cade should not be in considerations
These are the expectations we had but maybe for last year
Daniels, Avdija and Jerome would be my top 3 for this award.
daniels