NBA Most Improved Player 2025-26 Season: Latest Power Rankings as the Two Jalens Go Head to Head (Dec 13, 2025)

On Friday, an interesting matchup unfolded as the Detroit Pistons visited the Atlanta Hawks. This game deserved the spotlight as it provided an opportunity for two leading candidates in the Most Improved Player (MIP) race to prove themselves.

When the dust settled, one up-and-coming athlete got the W but his fellow MIP contender had a more dazzling stat line. Because of this, the latter gained a slight edge at the top of this week's rankings.

Coincidentally, both players are named Jalen. Only one of them, however, can clinch the top spot in this week's MIP power rankings.

NBA Most Improved Player 2025-26 Season: Latest Power Rankings (Dec 13 2025)

#5 Austin Reaves, LA Lakers

Previous Ranking: 2nd

NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

GP 21 | PPG 27.8 | RPG 5.6 | APG 6.7 | SPG 1.0 | BPG 0.2 | TOV 3.3

FG 50.3% | 3PT 36.9% | FT 87.5%

The Lakers are still in great shape in the Western Conference, but it should be pointed out that Austin Reaves has somewhat cooled off after a string of high-scoring performances at the beginning of the season. On Wednesday, Reaves mustered just 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting from the field in a 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

#4 Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Previous Ranking: 5th

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets - Source: Imagn

GP 22 | PPG 20.5 | RPG 9.4 | APG 9.0 | SPG 1.0 | BPG 0.5 | TOV 3.7

FG 48.0% | 3PT 40.0% | FT 74.8%

Josh Giddey appears to be this year's sleeper pick for MIP, as his numbers continue to hold up amidst the Bulls' struggle to get to .500. This week, Giddey posted stat lines of 18-3-5 and 26-7-11 against the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets, respectively.

#3 Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

Previous Ranking: New entry

Portland Trail Blazers v Cleveland Cavaliers - Source: Getty

GP 25 | PPG 25.4 | RPG 7.2 | APG 6.2 | SPG 0.7 | BPG 0.7 | TOV 3.6

FG 47.3% | 3PT 37.4% | FT 80.6%

The Blazers are in a three-game skid, but Deni Avdija continues to make his presence felt in the MIP race. The significant improvement in his scoring and playmaking is a bright spot amidst the Blazers' current troubles.

#2 Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

Previous Ranking: 1st

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Detroit Pistons - Source: Imagn

GP 22 | PPG 18.6 | RPG 11.3 | APG 1.8 | SPG 0.8 | BPG 1.0 | TOV 2.5

FG 65.2% | FT 74.7%

Heading into Friday's matchup, the Pistons had played just one game within a six-day span. Nevertheless, Jalen Duren made the most of his opportunity to shine against the Hawks when he put up 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in a 142-115 blowout.

#1 Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Previous Ranking: 4th

Atlanta Hawks v Washington Wizards - Source: Getty

GP 23 | PPG 23.2 | RPG 10.5 | APG 8.0 | SPG 1.6 | BPG 0.3 | TOV 3.4

FG 52.6% | 3PT 38.9% | FT 81.0%

At this point, Jalen Johnson is a leading contender for not one, but two new accolades in his career: an All-Star selection and the MIP award. On Friday, Johnson recorded his fifth triple-double of the season (and the seventh of his career), continuing his prolific run for the Hawks.