The NBA’s Most Improved Prediction Markets: The Four Players Who Can Win

The most controversial award in the NBA is undoubtedly the Most Improved Player. There are no metrics, parameters or rules that determine who will win the prize.

There have been years where MIP has been a solid player who has become an All-Star, and some who have gone from being no-name to a recognized commodity. This is always the hardest award to predict.

Here are some of the favorites to take home the 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 is known as a terrific defender who racks up tons of highlight plays with his nuclear athleticism.

But he needs to make an offensive leap to take the next step as a player. Amen Thompson’s development will come as both a scorer and shooter. He is already working with shooting coach Chip Engelland to fix his perimeter game. If Thompson can score 22 points per game, he’ll be in the MVP race and the Houston Rockets will have a tough fight in the West.

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

The former Virginia champ has bounced around the past two years with Cleveland and Memphis. Jerome looked like an offensive star with the ball in hand. But his biggest problem was staying in court. In seven years as a pro, he only had one healthy season, and that was his breakout year with the Cleveland Cavs.

If he can play enough games, Jerome could be an elite scorer for Memphis. The Grizzlies need a player to put up a lot of points, and Jerome averaged nearly 20 points per game in less than 23 minutes last year. 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 sophomore put the NBA on notice last year with his incredible performance in the San Antonio Finals. At just 20 years old, Harper is poised for a special sophomore season. It looks like he’ll be a full-time starter alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Personally, I think the NBA should get rid of the award if someone like Harper won Most Improved Player. What’s the point of giving the trophy to a second overall pick who improved from his breakout season? I think he’s going to have a great year and a fantastic career, but he shouldn’t 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 make another jump. The Chicago native isn’t the most physical yet, but he’s shown the ability to get the ball into the bowl in a number of different ways.

The Bulls have plenty of mouths to feed in their new-look starting lineup, but Buzelis will be right in the mix to make another splash this year.