Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Duren headline ClutchPoints' 2025-26 NBA All-Improved Team

Instead of the Most Improved Player award, what if the NBA introduced the All-Improved teams? Here is who would make the cut this season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented basketball players and court action, representing the growth and development of the league's most improved players.The 2025-26 NBA All-Improved Team features a diverse array of rising talents who have taken their games to new heights this season.Denver Today

ClutchPoints has introduced a new concept - the 2025-26 NBA All-Improved Teams. This list features 10 talents across the NBA who have exhibited clear growth from the previous season. The First Team includes Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Duren, Stephon Castle, Keyonte George, and Ryan Rollins, while the Second Team features Donovan Clingan, Ajay Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Neemias Queta, Anthony Black, and Collin Gillespie.

Why it matters

The Most Improved Player award has seemed to lose its touch, as seven of the last nine winners earned the honor after being a first-time All-Star. This new All-Improved concept recognizes the non-starters who make their teams real playoff threats, not just the most improved All-Star-level talents.

The details

The 2025-26 NBA All-Improved Teams would feature at least 10 talents across the league who have exhibited clear growth from the previous season. Players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who has increased his scoring output by 117% this season, and Jalen Duren, who has become an all-around force on both ends of the court, headline the First Team. The Second Team includes breakout players like Donovan Clingan, Ajay Mitchell, and Peyton Watson.

  • This season, the 2025-26 NBA All-Improved Teams were introduced as a new end-of-season honor.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Atlanta Hawks' guard has silently become one of the best combo guard scorers in the entire league, increasing his scoring output by 117% this season.

Jalen Duren

The Detroit Pistons' center has become an all-around force on both sides of the court, with his two-way contributions helping the Pistons to the top of the East standings.

Stephon Castle

The San Antonio Spurs' guard has improved his confidence and defensive identity, becoming an essential part of the Spurs' success this season.

Keyonte George

Despite the Utah Jazz's struggles, George has established himself as the key backcourt option for the team, averaging 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game.

Ryan Rollins

The Milwaukee Bucks' guard has gone from playing 25 games through his first three years to becoming the starting point guard and the team's second-best player behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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What they’re saying

“Aside from stepping into a larger role from a bench player in Minnesota to a starter in Atlanta, Alexander-Walker has silently become one of the best combo guard scorers in the entire league.”

— Brett Siegel, Author

“Not only have Duren's offensive numbers increased this season, but one aspect of his game that has flown under the radar is his ability to impact the Pistons positively while on the court.”

— Brett Siegel, Author

“Confidence and defensive identity are the two areas where Stephon Castle has improved the most for the San Antonio Spurs this year.”

— Brett Siegel, Author

The takeaway

This new All-Improved concept recognizes the non-starters who make their teams real playoff threats, not just the most improved All-Star-level talents. It provides a more comprehensive way to honor the players who have taken the biggest leaps in their development and impact this season.