Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, Hawks’ Dyson Daniels frontrunners for Most Improved Player

Cunningham, the cornerstone of a resurgent Pistons team, entered Sunday’s games averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 35.2 minutes per game.

This marks a significant leap from last season’s 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 32.5 minutes, when Detroit managed only 14 wins.

Despite an uptick in turnovers — from 3.4 to 4.5 per game — attributed partly to teammate Jaden Ivey‘s season-ending leg injury on Jan. 1, Cunningham has thrived with increased responsibility. His usage rate has risen to 34.4 from 31.7. The first-time All-Star has also capitalized on an upgraded roster, showcasing his playmaking ability and delivering in critical moments, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer against Miami earlier this month.

Selected first overall in the 2021 draft and rewarded with a max extension last offseason, Cunningham has solidified his status as Detroit’s franchise player, dispelling doubts after the team’s historically poor performance last year.

Meanwhile, Daniels, a third-year guard traded to Atlanta from New Orleans in the offseason deal involving Dejounte Murray, has transformed from a reserve into a standout starter. In 65 starts, he’s averaging 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a league-leading 3.0 steals in 33.9 minutes — up from 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22.3 minutes last season.

Daniels’ steals prowess has positioned him as a sleeper candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year. However, his case for Most Improved Player may be tempered by a lighter burden as a supporting player to Hawks star Trae Young and Atlanta’s sub-.500 record, despite leading the Southeast Division. The 2022 No. 8 pick has nonetheless emerged as a breakout talent after two quiet years with the Pelicans.

Clippers forward Norman Powell was a strong contender until an injury sidelined him, rendering him ineligible. Other players in the conversation include Denver’s Christian Braun, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, and Miami’s Tyler Herro.