NBA Most Improved Player 2025-26 Season: Latest Power Rankings as Jaime Jaquez Jr. Turns On the Heat (Nov 29, 2025)

This past week, a handful of NBA teams demonstrated their remarkable consistency by pulling off some impressive streaks. It's worth noting that some of these squads have been powered by players who have been making a case for Most Improved Player (MIP).

Elsewhere, there are other players who have put up hard-to-ignore numbers, even if they've been playing for teams farther down the standings. Competitors whose stats have taken a huge leap from last year, have certainly boosted their MIP stock. But, in the case of those whose prolific contributions have paved the way for team success, they have built an even stronger case for the award.

NBA Most Improved Player, 2025-26 Season: Latest Power Rankings for Nov. 29, 2025

#5 Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

Previous Ranking: New entry

Washington Wizards v Miami Heat - Source: Getty

GP 19 | PPG 16.2 | RPG 6.3 | APG 5.3 | SPG 0.6 | BPG 0.2 | TOV 2.1

FG 53.0% | 3PT 21.9% | FT 77.1%

While Norman Powell is playing the best basketball of his career, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a better example of an athlete who has transcended the 2024-25 version of himself. The 6-foot-6 forward has nearly doubled his scoring average from last season, and he currently leads the Heat in field goal percentage.

#4 Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Previous Ranking: 3rd

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Denver Nuggets - Source: Imagn

GP 15 | PPG 20.5 | RPG 9.9 | APG 9.5 | SPG 1.0 | BPG 0.5 | TOV 3.6

FG 46.3% | 3PT 38.8% | FT 75.8%

After putting the Chicago Bulls on the map this season, Josh Giddey has somewhat cooled off as a stat-stuffer with MIP potential. Still, it's impressive that the Bulls guard is averaging close to a triple-double.

#3 Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

Previous Ranking: New entry

NBA: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers - Source: Imagn

GP 19 | PPG 25.5 | RPG 6.4 | APG 5.5 | SPG 0.5 | BPG 0.7 | TOV 3.6

FG 47.8% | 3PT 38.9% | FT 80.3%

There's a reason why Deni Avdija is becoming more and more prominent on the MIP lists released by betting sites. The Portland Trail Blazers forward has gone from 16.9 points per game on 36.5% shooting from deep last season to 25.5 points per outing on a 38.9% shooting clip from outside this year.

#2 Ajay Mitchell, OKC Thunder

Previous Ranking: 1st

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder - Source: Imagn

GP 19 | PPG 15.9 | RPG 3.6 | APG 3.8 | SPG 1.7 | BPG 0.3 | TOV 1.7

FG 46.4% | 3PT 33.3% | FT 85.9%

In the Thunder's victories over the Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves this week, Ajay Mitchell averaged 16.5 points on 13-for-17 shooting from the field (including a perfect 8-for-8 against Portland). As the Thunder's primary scorer off the bench, Mitchell continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

#1 Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

Previous Ranking: 2nd

Detroit Pistons v Atlanta Hawks - Source: Getty

GP 19 | PPG 15.9 | RPG 3.6 | APG 3.8 | SPG 1.7 | BPG 0.3 | TOV 1.7

FG 46.4% | 3PT 33.3% | FT 85.9%

While Detroit's 13-game winning streak was halted by the Boston Celtics this week, Jalen Duren deserves his flowers for the work that he's put in. The Pistons big man averaged 16.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, helping his team stay on top of the Eastern Conference with his impeccable two-way play.