Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Award recognizes the player who has shown the greatest improvement from one season to the next. Introduced in the 1985–86 season, the award celebrates breakout performances, dramatic statistical leaps, expanded roles, and the dedication required to become one of the league’s top players.
Many Most Improved Player winners have gone on to become All-Stars, All-NBA selections, MVP candidates, and NBA champions, making the award one of the NBA’s most meaningful individual honors.
What Is the NBA Most Improved Player Award?
The NBA Most Improved Player Award is presented annually to the player who demonstrates the most significant improvement during the regular season.
Media members vote based on factors such as:
- Increased production
- Expanded role
- Greater efficiency
- Overall impact
- Team success
The award recognizes improvement over the previous season rather than rewarding a player’s entire career.
NBA Most Improved Player Winners by Season
| Season | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1985–86 | Alvin Robertson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1986–87 | Dale Ellis | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1987–88 | Kevin Duckworth | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1988–89 | Kevin Johnson | Phoenix Suns |
| 1989–90 | Rony Seikaly | Miami Heat |
| 1990–91 | Scott Skiles | Orlando Magic |
| 1991–92 | Pervis Ellison | Washington Bullets |
| 1992–93 | Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf | Denver Nuggets |
| 1993–94 | Don MacLean | Washington Bullets |
| 1994–95 | Dana Barros | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1995–96 | Gheorghe Mureșan | Washington Bullets |
| 1996–97 | Isaac Austin | Miami Heat |
| 1997–98 | Alan Henderson | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1998–99 | Darrell Armstrong | Orlando Magic |
| 1999–00 | Jalen Rose | Indiana Pacers |
| 2000–01 | Tracy McGrady | Orlando Magic |
| 2001–02 | Jermaine O’Neal | Indiana Pacers |
| 2002–03 | Gilbert Arenas | Golden State Warriors |
| 2003–04 | Zach Randolph | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2004–05 | Bobby Simmons | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2005–06 | Boris Diaw | Phoenix Suns |
| 2006–07 | Monta Ellis | Golden State Warriors |
| 2007–08 | Hedo Türkoğlu | Orlando Magic |
| 2008–09 | Danny Granger | Indiana Pacers |
| 2009–10 | Aaron Brooks | Houston Rockets |
| 2010–11 | Kevin Love | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2011–12 | Ryan Anderson | Orlando Magic |
| 2012–13 | Paul George | Indiana Pacers |
| 2013–14 | Goran Dragić | Phoenix Suns |
| 2014–15 | Jimmy Butler | Chicago Bulls |
| 2015–16 | C.J. McCollum | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2016–17 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2017–18 | Victor Oladipo | Indiana Pacers |
| 2018–19 | Pascal Siakam | Toronto Raptors |
| 2019–20 | Brandon Ingram | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2020–21 | Julius Randle | New York Knicks |
| 2021–22 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2022–23 | Lauri Markkanen | Utah Jazz |
| 2023–24 | Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2024–25 | Dyson Daniels | Atlanta Hawks |
Players Who Became NBA Superstars
Several Most Improved Player winners used the award as a springboard to superstardom, including:
- Tracy McGrady
- Paul George
- Jimmy Butler
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Pascal Siakam
- Ja Morant
- Lauri Markkanen
- Tyrese Maxey
Many became franchise players and perennial All-Stars after their breakout seasons.
Most Improved Players Who Became MVPs
A select group of winners later captured the NBA Most Valuable Player Award:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (2017, MIP; 2019 & 2020, MVP)
Others, including Tracy McGrady and Paul George, developed into legitimate MVP candidates during their careers.
Multiple Award Winners
While no player has won the Most Improved Player Award more than once, many winners have gone on to earn additional honors, including:
- NBA All-Star selections
- All-NBA Team selections
- NBA championships
- Olympic gold medals
- Hall of Fame consideration
The award often marks the beginning of a player’s rise rather than the peak of their career.
Interesting Facts
- The award was introduced in the 1985–86 season.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only player to win both Most Improved Player and NBA MVP.
- Several winners were former late first-round or second-round draft picks who exceeded expectations.
- Indiana Pacers players have won the award four times (Jalen Rose, Jermaine O’Neal, Danny Granger, Paul George), the most by any franchise.
Why the Award Matters
The NBA Most Improved Player Award celebrates player development more than any other major NBA honor. It recognizes the hard work, perseverance, and commitment required to transform potential into production.
Unlike awards based solely on elite talent, the MIP trophy highlights players who significantly elevate their games, often becoming stars after years of steady growth.
Related NBA Lists
- NBA MVP Winners
- NBA Rookie of the Year Winners
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year Winners
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year Winners
- NBA Coach of the Year Winners
- NBA All-Star Players
- NBA All-NBA First Team Players
- NBA Hall of Fame Players