Four Players Lead NBA's Most Improved Player Race

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Duren, Deni Avdija, and Jalen Johnson emerge as top contenders for the award.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting NBA players in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the multifaceted improvements of the league's top Most Improved Player candidates.The NBA's Most Improved Player race features four players whose diverse growth has elevated their teams' success this season.Cleveland Today

The NBA's Most Improved Player award race this season features four leading candidates whose growth has come in different forms - expanded responsibility, efficiency gains, and two-way impact. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Duren, Deni Avdija, and Jalen Johnson have all made significant strides, showcasing the evolving identity of the award.

Why it matters

The diverse cases of these four players highlight how the Most Improved Player award has become a snapshot of unexpected leaps, late bloomers, and players whose roles finally match their talent in the modern NBA. Their performances have been crucial to the success of their respective teams this season.

The details

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has become a dependable rotation staple for the Hawks, earning more trust with his improved scoring, perimeter defense, and willingness to do the 'dirty work'. Jalen Duren has transformed from a raw, athletic big into a nightly double-double threat and defensive anchor for the Pistons. Deni Avdija has flourished with increased on-ball duties, showcasing his scoring, efficiency, and versatility for the Trail Blazers. Jalen Johnson has reshaped how he fits within the Hawks' winning framework, refining his game on both ends of the floor.

  • The 2026-27 NBA regular season is currently underway.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A guard for the Atlanta Hawks who has become a dependable rotation player, earning more trust with his improved scoring, perimeter defense, and willingness to do the 'dirty work'.

Jalen Duren

A center for the Detroit Pistons who has transformed from a raw, athletic big into a nightly double-double threat and defensive anchor for his team.

Deni Avdija

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who has flourished with increased on-ball duties, showcasing his scoring, efficiency, and versatility.

Jalen Johnson

A forward for the Atlanta Hawks who has reshaped how he fits within his team's winning framework, refining his game on both ends of the floor.

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What they’re saying

“Nickeil Alexander-Walker's candidacy is built on trust. Specifically, earning it within one of the NBA's top defensive teams.”

— Jonathan Simmons, Author

“Jalen Duren's rise has been obvious — and physical. Still just 22 years old, the Pistons center has transformed from a raw, athletic big into a nightly double-double threat and the anchor of Detroit's interior presence.”

— Jonathan Simmons, Author

“Deni Avdija's breakout has followed a change in responsibility. After years of being asked to fit around others, he has flourished with increased on-ball duties, showing a level of assertiveness that had only flashed previously.”

— Jonathan Simmons, Author

“Few players have embodied modern positional value more than Jalen Johnson this season. Already a high-level athlete, the Hawks forward has refined nearly every aspect of his game, from shot selection to playmaking vision.”

— Jonathan Simmons, Author

What’s next

The NBA will announce the winner of the Most Improved Player award at the end of the 2026-27 regular season.

The takeaway

This year's Most Improved Player race showcases the diverse paths players can take to elevate their games and become indispensable parts of their teams' success. The four leading candidates - Alexander-Walker, Duren, Avdija, and Johnson - have all made significant strides in different facets of their play, reflecting the award's evolving identity in the modern NBA.