Which Knicks players could be in the running for 2023 NBA Awards?
By James Ryder
Which Knicks can win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award?
The current Vegas betting odds have Jalen Brunson (tied for fourth with Tyrese Maxey at +2000) and RJ Barrett (5th at +2200) among the leading candidates for the MIP Award. This should come as no surprise to Knicks fans, who surely expect big seasons from this duo.
Both players have solid cases based on their recent play. Barrett in his last 41 games of 2021-22 averaged 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 41.5% from the field and 35.2% from three. Brunson put up 20.4 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 3.9 RPG shooting 49.3% from the field and 35% from deep in 17 regular season contests without Luka Doncic. And Brunson was even more impressive in the playoffs.
This duo is coming off of a fantastic preseason as well, so their stock is definitely rising. However, it won’t be easy, as you may have noticed how star-studded the MIP race will be if the betting odds have anything to say about it.
It is for this reason that I didn’t include Quentin Grimes or Obi Toppin on the list. Granted, those two both need a big minutes increase if they want to be at all competitive for this award. But even if the field wasn’t so stacked, they would still be overshadowed by Barrett and Brunson. Expect Vegas to be right about this one; I would be a bit surprised if neither Barrett nor Brunson finished in the top three of voting at the year’s end.