Every year, a handful of guys just… click. They put in the work, sure, but there's an alchemy to it – a new coach, a new role, the game finally slowing down. We're talking about the jump from "solid contributor" to "foundational piece," the kind of leap that snags a Most Improved Player trophy. For the 2025-26 season, a few names are already bubbling up, guys who’ve shown flashes but are poised for a full-blown breakout.
Think about someone like Jalen Williams. Last season, his numbers were good, but he was still finding his footing in a crowded OKC offense. He averaged 19.1 points and 4.5 assists, shooting a respectable 49.3% from the field. For 2025-26, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drawing double teams, I’m betting Williams pushes his scoring north of 23 points per game, bumps his assists to six, and improves his three-point percentage from 42.7% to closer to 45%. His efficiency is already there; the usage rate is the next step.
Then there’s Cam Thomas in Brooklyn. The guy is a pure scorer, averaging 22.5 points a night last season, but his efficiency (44.3% from the field, 36.4% from three) and assist numbers (2.9) need a bump. If he can maintain that scoring volume while upping his field goal percentage to 47% and dishing out 5 assists per game, showing real growth as a playmaker, he's a prime candidate. The Nets need someone to step up, and Thomas has the talent.
Moving to the West, Keyonte George for the Jazz is another intriguing name. He finished his rookie campaign with 13.0 points and 4.4 assists, but shot just 39.1% overall and 33.7% from deep. With another year under Will Hardy and a likely increase in responsibility, a jump to 18 points, 6 assists, and shooting 44% from the field and 38% from three isn't out of the question. He showed flashes of brilliance, like his 33-point game against the Warriors in February, but needs consistency.
The Magic’s Paolo Banchero already took a big step, but I think he has another gear. Last year, he put up 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. The efficiency, however, sat at 45.5% from the field and 34.1% from three. If he elevates his shooting to 48% overall and 37% from deep while maintaining his playmaking, he’s not just an MIP candidate; he’s an All-NBA dark horse. That kind of jump would solidify Orlando as a true East contender.
A wild card? Ausar Thompson from the Pistons. His rookie year was cut short by a blood clot, but he flashed elite defensive potential and rebounding (8.7 per game in 49 contests). His offensive game was raw, averaging only 8.8 points on 48.3% shooting and a dismal 18.6% from three. If he comes back fully healthy and develops even a respectable corner three – say, 33-35% on increased volume – and pushes his scoring to 14-16 points, his overall impact will be undeniable. That's a big ask, but the tools are there.
Let's not forget about Jabari Smith Jr. in Houston. He averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds last season, improving his three-point percentage from 30.7% to 36.3%. For 2025-26, if he can become a more consistent 18-point, 9-rebound guy, pushing his three-point clip to 39% on higher volume, he'll be a strong contender. The Rockets are looking for someone to truly break out alongside Alperen Şengün, and Smith’s two-way potential makes him a prime candidate.
Another name to watch is Shaedon Sharpe in Portland. Injuries limited him to just 32 games last season, but his per-game averages were solid: 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, shooting 43.1% from the field. If he can stay healthy for a full 70+ games and improve his efficiency to 46% from the field and 38% from three (up from 36% last year), while boosting his scoring to 20-22 points, he's a lock for the conversation. He has that explosive athleticism that just screams "star potential."
Real talk: my bold prediction for the 2025-26 MIP winner is **Jalen Williams**. He's got the talent, the situation, and the upward trajectory to make the biggest leap of them all.
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