NBA Futures: Best Bet — Most Improved Player
The Most Improved Player market is a fun one. We are trying to find a player who is going to really increase their scoring, most of the time. That is why I am surprised that the top player on the table is Mikal Bridges at +800. He has some room to grow but is probably not going to pop much more than he did after the trade. The same goes for 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey. Unless Joel Embiid is out, his value might go up, but his numbers might not increase that much.
Jordan Poole of the Washington Wizards is an interesting choice. The move to a bad Washington team means he is probably going to score a ton of points, but that also might beIng on the worst team in the league. It is hard to see the most improved player being someone who doesn't also have some efficiency, though +1200 is enticing.
When I look at the odds, the guy who has my attention is ...
Shaedon Sharpe +1800
The super-athletic Sharpe has a great chance to build upon a solid rookie season. The departure of Damian Lillard helps in terms of available shots and there is also no substitute for experience. You have to remember he basically had a year off from competition while "attending" Kentucky. He saw his minutes go up every month of the season last year and in four April games he averaged more than 30 minutes a game while scoring 22 ppg. He could average that for a season and it would look amazing next to last year's under 10ppg.
In the portfolio ...
Walker Kessler +2500
I guess I have a type as Kessler is another second-year player who saw his numbers jump throughout the season with more playing time. He could win Defensive Player of the Year too. That would get him votes.
Denis Schroeder +4500
Schroeder is coming off a great World Cup performance and walking into a good situation in Toronto. He is going to get a lot of minutes in the lead guard spot and his all-around game should fit well. He could have a very nice rebound year after bouncing around a little.
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