Aryna Sabalenka was named Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, dominating the season with multiple titles and a top ranking. Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend won Doubles Team of the Year, while Amanda Anisimova was recognized as Most Improved Player. Belinda Bencic made a notable comeback, earning the Comeback Player of the Year award, and Victoria Mboko was named Newcomer of the Year after a remarkable rise from outside the top 300 to top 20.
Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks has agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension after an award-winning season where he was named NBA's Most Improved Player and made significant defensive contributions.
Coby White's 42-point performance in the Play-In Tournament showcased his standout season, making a strong case for Most Improved Player. His efficient scoring, improved decision-making, and defensive contributions have been pivotal for the Bulls, especially in the absence of Zach LaVine. White's ability to impact the game on both ends was evident in the game against the Hawks, solidifying his importance to the team as they aim for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Coby White's journey from a tumultuous start with the Chicago Bulls to becoming a leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award is a testament to his dedication and hard work. After a grueling summer of intense training and skill development, White has emerged as an indispensable iron man for the Bulls, leading the team's offense with improved scoring, playmaking, and efficiency. His breakout season showcases his growth as a player and his potential for a bright future in the league.
Joel Embiid leads the MVP race at the NBA quarter-mark, followed closely by Nikola Jokic, Tyrese Haliburton, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Kevin Durant. Rudy Gobert is making a case for his fourth Defensive Player of the Year trophy, with Anthony Davis and Herb Jones as his main competitors. Chet Holmgren is the clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year, while Alperen Sengun, Tyrese Maxey, and Scottie Barnes are in the mix for Most Improved Player. Immanuel Quickley, Austin Reaves, and Malik Monk are the top contenders for Sixth Man of the Year, and Nick Nurse, Jamahl Mosley, and Ime Udoka are leading the Coach of the Year race.
Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings has been named the WNBA's Most Improved Player for the 2023 season. The 6-foot-4 forward, who grew up in Gambia and Germany before attending college at Oregon, has averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point shooting. Sabally's emergence has been crucial to the Wings' success, and she is expected to receive MVP votes as well.
Jalen Brunson finished third in the NBA Most Improved Player vote, behind Lauri Markkanen and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Immanuel Quickley, the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, has struggled offensively in the Knicks' playoff series against the Cavaliers. Josh Hart was caught singing poorly during a timeout in Sunday's game. The Knicks dominated the boards in Game 4, outrebounding the Cavaliers 47-33 overall and 17-7 on the offensive glass.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been named the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2021-22 season, beating out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Markkanen averaged 25.6 points on 49.9% shooting overall and 39.1% from 3-point range, earning his first All-Star selection. Gilgeous-Alexander and Brunson also had impressive seasons, with Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 31.4 points and Brunson helping lead the Knicks to the brink of their second playoff series victory in a generation.
Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz has been named the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2022-23 season, beating out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson. Markkanen averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, and shot just shy of 50% from the field. He was also named to his first All-Star Game this season. Markkanen is the first Jazz player to win the award.
