NBA Most Improved Player Odds Update: Tyrese Maxey Building a Cushion at the Top

Since the offseason, Tyrese Maxey has been the favorite to win the 2023-24 Most Improved Player award. He had a career-best season in 2022-23 with 20.3 points per game (PPG), and Maxey seemed poised for an increased role with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023-24.

Cameron Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors seemed like good competition for the award, though. Like Maxey, Thomas and Barnes were coming off impressive years and are on teams replacing notable scorers. Alperen Sengun and Shaedon Sharpe were some enticing outside options as both players were expected to take on increased roles.

We have learned a lot about the Most Improved Player race over the first month of the NBA season. What's the big takeaway? This could be Maxey against everyone else. The fourth-year guard has shined thus far, which has signifcantly dropped his odds to win the award.

Here's how FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA award odds look for the Most Improved Player award. Who could be Maxey's chief competition for the award as the season progresses?

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (+100)

First off, let's look at why Maxey is the clear favorite. As most expected, he has taken his game to the next level. Maxey looked like the future of the Sixers' backcourt following 2022-23, especially with the drama surrounding James Harden.

Maxey ranks second on the team with a 26.7% usage rate while attempting 20.2 field goals per game -- only roughly one shot behind Joel Embiid's average. The usage rate has certainly been there, providing Maxey with the stage to shine. He's done exactly that and more.

So far, the fourth-year guard out of Kentucky is averaging 27.6 PPG, 6.7 assists per game (APG), and 5.1 rebounds per game (RPG). He's orchestrating one of the league's best offenses (fourth-best by offensive rating) while touting a 123.2 offensive rating (second-best on the team).

Of course, Maxey has also provided some of the flashy, must-see performances that award winners need to have. His career-high 50-point outburst on November 12 was one of the best performances of the young season. Maxey is one of three players to drop 50 points so far this year (alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zach LaVine).

The 76ers' guard is entering star status. Plus, Maxey is a major contributor on one of the league's best teams; Philadelphia has the second-best record in the Eastern Conference (8-3).

This has clearly been a dream start for Maxey. Does anyone stand a chance of surpassing the emerging star?

Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors (+500)

Barnes is the only player with odds shorter than +1000. He leads the Raptors with a 25.3% usage rate and is carrying career-high numbers in various categories.

His all-around game has been at the forefront of the early breakout campaign. Barnes leads Toronto with 20.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.7 steals per game (SPG), and 1.6 blocks per game (BPG). The Raptors are not that bad of a team, either, as they hold a 5-6 record with +186 odds to make the postseason, per FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA playoff odds.

Barnes' scoring and ability to generate steals have been particularly impressive. He is outpacing Pascal Siakam in PPG; Siakam averaged more than 20.0 PPG in each of the prior four seasons. OG Anunoby was also the NBA's steal leader in 2022-23. Anunoby entered the season as the betting favorite to lead the league in steals; Barnes could now be the player to represent Toronto in the steals category.

The usage is clearly there for the third-year forward to keep posting impressive numbers, but to surpass Maxey, Barnes must score more while helping the Raptors increase their win total.

Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets (+1100)

Thomas might be the only top competitor in this market who's capable of scoring at Maxey's rate. The third-year guard is averaging a career-high 26.9 PPG and has reached at least 30 points in four of his eight appearances, erupting for 45 points on November 6.

Once again, this is another player with an increase in usage rate this year. Thomas leads the Nets with a 31.9% usage rate -- higher than Maxey's and Barnes'. Plus, he is averaging a team-high 20.6 field goal attempts per game. The former LSU Tiger has played a pivotal role in the NBA's ninth-best offense.

However, similar to Barnes with Toronto, Brooklyn is simply not winning enough (6-6). The Nets may not have the relevance for Thomas to potentially pass Maxey. Plus, Thomas' game is currently about scoring, scoring, and more scoring. He is totaling only 2.1 APG and 3.8 RPG paired with a 116.2 defensive rating.

Thomas is currently dealing with an ankle injury that has held him out for four consecutive games. His absence is expected to continue for at least another week. Thomas' odds could keep rising before his return from injury.

Others

There are a few names to watch when it comes to long shots, including Alperen Sengun, Shaedon Sharpe, Cade Cunningham, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Duren.

Bridges seemed like a decent choice for the award prior to the season. After averaging 26.1 PPG in 27 games with Brooklyn a season ago, Bridges is averaging only 20.5 PPG this campaign. He is also third on the Nets with a 26.5% usage rate. It may be time to temper expectations for Bridges.

Cunningham will likely remain relevant in the discussion with his averages of 21.3 PPG and 7.3 APG -- both are career-high clips. However, he is totaling 5.0 turnovers per game. A 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio is not exactly flattering. His efficiency also lacks with a 44.8% effective field goal percentage (eFG%).

Most importantly, the Detroit Pistons are a league-worst 2-10. How do you award anyone on that team? This can also be applied to Duren, who is averaging a double-double at 12.6 PPG and 10.6 RPG. Plus, let's be frank: 12.6 PPG is not going to be enough for this award -- especially with Maxey totaling nearly 28.0 PPG.

Finally, let's get to some promising long-shot options. Sharpe's case is simply his workload and opportunity. He leads the NBA with 38.5 minutes per game (MPG) while averaging 18.7 PPG. His 22.9% usage rate ranks third on the team, though, and Sharpe could become less relevant when Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson return from injuries. High minutes alone are not going to cut it; Maxey ranks second in the league with 38.0 MPG.

Sengun has been excellent with 19.4 PPG, 6.0 APG, and 8.2 RPG. He's also been extremely efficient with an eFG% of 61.6%. The third-year big man has played a major role in the Houston Rockets' defense, which ranks fourth in rating; Sengun has a 105.4 defensive rating (second-best among starters). Also, Houston is rolling with a 6-3 record. If the Rockets keep winning and Sengun keeps balling, Sengun's odds could drop.

Maxey looks like the only player in this race that is undergoing a star leap. He is certainly on track to earn his first All-Star appearance. Maxey is currently among the top guards in the Eastern Conference. Similar to Victor Wembanyama in the Rookie of the Year race, Maxey is the overwhelming favorite to win the Most Improved Player award.

Do you think you know which NBA players will take home hardware this season? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA award odds market to bet any major season-long awards with America's Number One Sportsbook.

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