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JJ Redick criticizes NBA Most Improved Player Award
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

JJ Redick criticizes NBA Most Improved Player Award, dismisses Austin Reaves’ chances

By Matt Evans  |  Last updated Apr 3, 2025 8:41 AM ET

As the 2024-25 NBA regular season draws to a close, the race for the league’s end-of-season awards is intensifying. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are engaged in a fierce battle for the MVP award, while many have tipped Stephon Castle for Rookie of the Year. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham and Dyson Daniels are among the contenders for the Most Improved Player (MIP) award, with Austin Reaves also in the mix.

Reaves, who has emerged as a legitimate 20-point-per-game scorer and a key third star alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers, has been a breakout player this season. However, head coach JJ Redick has dismissed the notion of Reaves winning the MIP award, citing his strong distaste for the award itself.

When asked about Reaves' potential candidacy, Redick expressed frustration with the MIP award’s current structure, claiming that the NBA has “failed to define it.” He added that his criticism had nothing to do with Reaves' abilities.

"I think the spirit of it has been taken out of whack. I don't like that award,” Redick said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Just call it the 'high draft pick that is on a max contract and now is an All-Star.' Just call it that award. Who's that guy? That's what it's become."

Redick went on to assert that Reaves would not win the MIP award. Upon closer inspection, his claim holds weight. The five most recent MIP winners—Tyrese Maxey (2023-24), Lauri Markkanen (2022-23), Ja Morant (2021-22), Julius Randle (2020-21) and Brandon Ingram (2019-20)—all became All-Stars during the season they won the award. With Cunningham in strong contention this year, it’s likely that trend will continue.

Cunningham, playing for a now competitive Detroit Pistons team, is having a career-best season, averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. Although, he averaged 22.7 points last year and 19.9 points the season before, expectations have long been high for him to emerge as an NBA star following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. This season, that appears to be happening.

Reaves, on the other hand, has increased his scoring from 15.9 points per game last season to 19.9 this season (21.9 since the All-Star break). Additionally, he is averaging a career-high 5.9 assists per contest.

Despite Redick's doubts about the MIP award, Reaves has proven himself to be a key factor for the Lakers. His versatility as a playmaker and scorer has made him indispensable, and his contributions will be crucial as the Lakers gear up for a potential deep playoff run.

While his chances for the MIP may be slim, Reaves has earned the respect of his coach, his teammates and the entire league. As a rising star on a star-studded roster, he is proving to be a vital piece of the Lakers' success, regardless of individual accolades.

Matt Evans
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Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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