NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 12 ft. Tyler Herro

Sportskeeda's NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) power rankings are back after more than a week. There are no major changes to the top five, with Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks being dropped due to inactivity. Johnson has not played since Jan. 3 due to a shoulder injury.

Norman Powell of the LA Clippers made his return to the list after his last appearance in Week 4. Powell has been fantastic for the Clippers since returning from a hamstring injury. His impact has helped the other LA team to climb the West standings.

Let's look at this week's Most Improved Player rankings featuring the Miami Heat's Tyler Herro:

---

NBA Most Improved Player Rankings - Week 12

---

#1 - Evan Mobley | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers

Evan Mobley | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 1
• Average (Week 12) - 20.0 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 19.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 15.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Evan Mobley is primed to be named an All-Star for the first time this season. He's also expected to steal some votes from Victor Wembanyama for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

As for the Most Improved Player, Mobley is one of the favorites to win. There is plenty of competition and there might not be a wrong winner due to how impressive some players have been this season.

---

#2 - Cade Cunningham | Guard | Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham | Guard | Detroit Pistons (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 2
• Average (Week 12) - 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 24.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 9.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 22.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Just like Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham is likely going to be a first-time All-Star this season. Cunningham has helped transform the Detroit Pistons from the worst team in the NBA to a potential playoff contender in less than a year.

In addition to improving his efficiency, Cunningham's playmaking has been superb for the Pistons. He also knows when to be selfish and take the shot. He recently dropped 36 points against the New York Knicks to earn the win.

The latest odds have Cunningham winning the Most Improved Player award, as per Oddshark.

---

#3 - Tyler Herro | Guard | Miami Heat

Tyler Herro | Guard | Miami Heat (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 3
• Average (Week 12) - 26.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.38 SPG, 0.2 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 24.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 20.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

With Jimmy Butler already one foot out of the door in Miami, the Heat has relied on Tyler Herro this season. Herro has turned into a legitimate star in South Beach and one of the favorites to win the Most Improved Player award.

The Heat hasn't found consistency as a team, but Herro has been performing well every night. He scored 34 points against the LA Lakers on Wednesday, which was his third consecutive 30-point game.

---

#4 - Jalen Williams | Forward | OKC Thunder

Jalen Williams | Forward | OKC Thunder (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 4
• Average (Week 12) - 21.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 20.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Jalen Williams used to have a stronghold on the Most Improved Player odds, but the emergence of other candidates has put him in the lower half of the top five. However, Williams has plenty of opportunities to increase his chances.

With Isaiah Hartenstein dealing with another injury, Williams might be called on to play center again. He had his best games at center this season, capable of dropping a triple-double every night.

---

#5 - Norman Powell | Guard | LA Clippers

Norman Powell | Guard | LA Clippers (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: NR
• Average (Week 12) - 25.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 23.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 13.9 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the 2025 All-Star Weekend is whether Norman Powell will get the nod in a loaded Western Conference backcourt. Powell has filled in Paul George's absence more than ways the LA Clippers have imagined.

His scoring remains his strong suit, with his 9.8 point-differential among the reasons why his odds of winning Most Improved Player got better. The Clippers are also winning, so that's another reason to get recognized for his performances.