NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 8 ft. Dyson Daniels

It has been a complicated week in the NBA, which affected the latest Most Improved Player (MIP) power rankings. The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup entered its knockout stages, with some teams having fewer games than others. The OKC Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks are set to clash in the final on Tuesday.

Franz Wagner topped the rankings last week, but he suffered an injury and will be out for at least four weeks. LaMelo Ball, who has not played since Nov. 29, is no longer in the Most Improved Player rankings this week.

A player becomes ineligible for individual awards when he doesn't play at least 65 games this season. Wagner and Ball might be out in the running because of it, allowing players such as Dyson Daniels, Christian Braun, RJ Barrett and Payton Prichard to possibly enter the top five.

Let's look at this week's Most Improved Player power rankings presented by Sportskeeda.

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NBA Most Improved Player Rankings - Week 8

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#5 - Franz Wagner | Forward | Orlando Magic

Franz Wagner | Forward | Orlando Magic (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 1
• Average (Week 8) - 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 24.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 19.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Franz Wagner is possibly in his final week on the NBA Most Improved Player power rankings. Wagner is not scheduled to return until mid-January, which means he might be ineligible because of games played.

The Orlando Magic were already without Paolo Banchero in the first place due to injury, but Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are trying to keep the team afloat. Banchero, who was one of the favorites for the MIP to start the season, is expected to return later this month.

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#4 - Dyson Daniels | Guard | Atlanta Hawks

Dyson Daniels | Guard | Atlanta Hawks (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: NR
• Average (Week 8) - 10.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 13.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 3.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 5.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Not only is Dyson Daniels one of the Most Improved Players in the league this season, but he could also be the best acquisition. The Atlanta Hawks received him and Larry Nance Jr. from the New Orleans Pelicans before the start of the season.

Daniels has always been a good defender, but he has added a solid jumper. His bread and butter is guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. He has also turned himself into one of the best defenders in the NBA.

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#3 - Evan Mobley | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers

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

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 2
• Average (Week 8) - 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 18.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 15.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Just like Franz Wagner, Evan Mobley missed all of last week because of an injury. But Mobley won't miss a lot of time and will still be eligible for the Most Improved Player of the Year award. He's dealing with an ankle injury, but is not expected to miss any more time.

Mobley is one of the reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA. His offense has improved by leaps and bounds, while his defense is still top notch.

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#2 - Jalen Johnson | Forward | Atlanta Hawks

Jalen Johnson | Forward | Atlanta Hawks (Photo: IMAGN)

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 4
• Average (Week 8) - 18.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 19.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Jalen Johnson has officially become an Atlanta Hawks cornerstone alongside Trae Young. Johnson solidified himself as the Hawks' second option on offense, but scoring is not only his strong suit.

The Duke product is averaging a double-double this season and at least five assists per game. He's also athletic enough to guard most players, which is one of the main reasons why he could end up winning the Most Improved Player of the Year.

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#1 - Jalen Williams | Forward | OKC Thunder

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

• Last Week's Ranking: No. 3
• Average (Week 8) - 19.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
• Average (This Season) - 21.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
• Average (Last Season) - 19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might be the star for the OKC Thunder, but Jalen Williams has established himself as one of the best young players in the league. Williams compliments SGA's game as a player who can do almost everything.

The Santa Clara product might not have mind-boggling numbers, but his impact on the Thunder is felt on the court and not on the stat sheet. The odds currently favor him to take home the Most Improved Player of the season.