NBA Most Improved Player preview: Can Nets' Mikal Bridges make another leap?

Each season, a handful of NBA players graduate from role players to stars. Who will do that in 2023-24 and thus catapult himself into the Most Improved Player (MIP) award discussions? Here are five potential candidates:

Mikal Bridges, F, Brooklyn Nets

Everyone's favorite MIP choice, Bridges was given far more creation duties in Brooklyn after Phoenix sent him east as the centerpiece of the Kevin Durant trade. He responded by averaging 26.1 points in 27 games with Brooklyn.

How he can win it: Bridges' success in Brooklyn did not feel like a fluke, and now he'll have an entire season to solidify himself as a true NBA star. He'll be front and center in the MIP race if he can put up similar numbers to what he posted in Brooklyn after the trade.

Why he might not: His post-trade numbers might have been too good. Bridges set such high expectations for himself in 2023-24 that anything less than All-Star-level play will feel a bit underwhelming for most folks.

Alperen Şengün, C, Houston Rockets

On a completely revamped Rockets team, Şengün is surrounded by far more talent than he had during his first two seasons. Will that benefit him or hinder him?  

How he can win it: After averaging 14.8 points, nine rebounds and 3.9 assists last season, Şengün has quickly become one of the league's most exhilarating young centers. Now surrounded by legitimate NBA players, Şengün could find his assist numbers skyrocketing and offensive attention going elsewhere, giving him more opportunity to cook in the post, too.

Why he might not: Houston might look too different. Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson will have the ball in their hands, and new coach Ime Udoka likes to prioritize ball movement. Şengün will undoubtedly still be part of Houston's game plan, but with a new set of expectations for the team, he might not be the hub necessary to win MIP.  

Austin Reaves, G, Los Angeles Lakers

The rise of Reaves isn't just a fun story anymore. With a $56 million contract in his back pocket, the 6-foot-5 former Oklahoma player will be tasked with a considerable responsibility as L.A.'s third scoring option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

How he can win it: Just keep up the trajectory he's on. Teams aren't going to game plan how to stop Reaves when LeBron and AD are on the court. He must take advantage of that, increase his scoring by a few points and keep his three-point shooting percentage up.

Why he might not: We're not sure how much better Reaves can be. He's already 25, and his elite three-point shooting last season might prove to be a fluke. While clearly a talented player, he might plateau around 14 or 15 points per game, not likely good enough for MIP consideration after posting 13 points per game last season.

Paolo Banchero, F, Orlando Magic

Second-year players are seldom in the MIP conversation because a jump in efficiency, raw numbers and comfort is expected between a player's rookie season and his second season. Banchero might be an exception to that rule.

How he can win it: Well, he's really, really good. Banchero averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists as a rookie. If he can bump his three-point percentage (29.8) up a few notches and continue his development as a playmaker for others, Banchero might be too good to ignore in the MIP race.

Why he might not: Banchero might have been too good, too fast, so a major improvement in his numbers will be extremely tough. For Banchero to be in the MIP running, he might have to reach near-superstar status in just his second year. That leap isn't impossible, but it's a lot to ask of a second-year player.

Cade Cunningham, G/F, Detroit Pistons

Is this the season where it all comes together and Cunningham reminds the world why he was a consensus No. 1 overall pick?

How he can win it: Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. Cunningham has shown that he can put up wildly impressive numbers (17.8 PTS, 5.6 REB, 5.6 AST for his career), but he hasn't quite figured how to be an efficient scorer. If he can hit a few more threes and get to the line more often in 2023-24, a giant leap might be in store.

Why he might not: Though wickedly talented, Cunningham hasn't excelled at any one thing in his career. After missing most of last season, he still has played in only 76 NBA games — less than a full 82-game season — so he's still getting his footing under him. Also coming off a major injury, Cunningham will take a little time to get back into rhythm, something that could exclude him from award discussions early in the season.