Unexpected Contenders Emerge as Latest Odds Shake Up NBA Most Improved Player Race

Every NBA season, the Most Improved Player award serves up a delicious hint of drama — a spotlight on the player who not only upped his game but jolted the league into noticing his real potential. Now, looking ahead to next season, the heat is on, and the betting odds paint a vivid picture. Deni Avdija, fresh off a solid year anchoring the Portland Trail Blazers, leads the pack at +800 according to Bovada — a nod to his leap from modest beginnings with Washington. But here’s the kicker: will Avdija keep climbing, or will another hungry youngster swoop in to snatch the crown? With names like Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Shaedon Sharpe, and the ever-compelling Michael Porter Jr. in the mix, it’s a nail-biter waiting to unfold. Honestly, the Most Improved race isn’t just about stats — it’s the personal comebacks, team shifts, and fresh starts that turn this contest into must-watch material. So, who’s ready to explode onto the scene and remind us all why we can’t look away? The countdown is officially on.

2023 NBA Summer League - Portland Trail Blazers v Houston Rockets — (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Most Improved Player award is one of the most coveted trophies in the NBA.

Every year, it celebrates the star who impressed the most and reminded the league what he is capable of.

Who will win the honor next season?

According to Bovada, per NBACentral, Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers is the front-runner, with odds of +800.

He is followed by Andrew Nembhard with +900, Bennedict Mathurin with +1200, Shaedon Sharpe with +1400, and Jonathan Kuminga with +1500.

Michael Porter Jr., Amen Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Scoot Henderson are also on the list.

Deni Avdija is the favorite to win Most Improved Player next season, per @BovadaOfficial

Deni Avdija +800
Andrew Nembhard +900
Bennedict Mathurin +1200
Shaedon Sharpe +1400
Jonathan Kuminga +1500
Michael Porter Jr. +1800
Amen Thompson +2000
Jaden Ivey +2000
Scoot Henderson… pic.twitter.com/bDYv85OkWW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 4, 2025

Avdija just had a great season for the Trail Blazers, averaging 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

That was all a step up from his year before, when he was still with the Washington Wizards.

Will those numbers continue to increase, and will Avdija remain the favorite to win this prize?

Obviously, there are numerous other young men in the mix, including a few who just fought for a championship.

Others, like Michael Porter Jr. and Jonathan Kuminga, have a lot to prove in the new year.

Porter has moved to a new team and is looking to show the Brooklyn Nets what he can do away from the Denver Nuggets, while Kuminga might be with a team that he wants to move on from and is hoping to improve his free agency value.

The race for Most Improved Player is always one of the most exciting, and people will be paying close attention to all of these stars.

Someone is about to have a huge breakout year, but who will it be?

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