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NBA Most Improved Power Rankings: Lakers’ Austin Reaves falls

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 30: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena on October 30, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 30: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena on October 30, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 summer was the summer of Austin Reaves as Los Angeles Lakers fans got to see him grow from an unknown role player into a household name. Entering the 2023-24 season, Reaves was touted as the third-best player on a Lakers team that has title hopes.

Because of his rapid ascension, Austin Reaves became a favorite to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. If he continued the same growth that was already transpiring then he could have been a threat to become the first Lakers player to win the award.

With over one week in the books, Reaves’ chances of winning the award have faltered with other players bursting onto the scene. However, the Lakers’ two-guard is still in the conversation.

NBA Most Improved Player power rankings:

In the first iteration of this power ranking, we ordered the power rankings simply by the betting favorites (as there was no basketball that was played yet). With over a week in the books, here is how the top eight shakes out for the Most Improved Player award (based on our own rankings).

  1. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (Up 1)
  2. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets (Up from NR)
  3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors (Up 3)
  4. Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets (Down 3)
  5. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (Down 1)
  6. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat (Up from NR)
  7. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (Up 1)
  8. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (Down 1)

There are several players who were in the top eight of the first ranking that do not even make the cut anymore. Portland’s Anferenee Simons suffered a thumb injury and will miss multiple weeks, so the chances of him winning the award are gone.

Jordan Poole was also the third-favorite to win the award before the season and that was a mistake. While there is plenty of time to turn it around, Poole has been awful thus far and should not be considered for the award.

As it stands right now, Tyrese Maxey has to be considered the favorite as he has been so good that the 76ers convinced themselves to trade away James Harden. Breathing right behind him is Cam Thomas, who appears to be taking the leap as the best player on the Nets instead of Mikal Bridges.

From a pure numbers standpoint, Thomas’ jump is more impressive than Maxey’s. However, Maxey has a better chance of maintaining this level of play, so he has to be considered the hero as it stands today.

Evan Mobley and Austin Reaves are in similar situations at the end of the list. Neither player has seen their numbers jump yet so in theory, they could be left off the list. However, both players are still primed to make some kind of leap, so they have to at least be in the conversation still (for now).

Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early. dark

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