Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick did not hold back when discussing Austin Reaves’ chances of winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against the Golden State Warriors, Redick made it clear that he dislikes how the award has evolved.
Reaves, 26, is having the best season of his career, averaging 19.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in his fourth NBA campaign. Despite his impressive numbers, Redick was dismissive of his guard’s chances, stating, “He’s not going to win it, so it’s—I mean, it’s a moot point.”
The Lakers coach criticized the way the award is typically given to high draft picks who make the leap to stardom. “I hate that award because they failed to define it, and I think the spirit of it has been taken out of whack,” Redick said. “Just call it the ‘High Draft Pick That Is on a Max Contract and Now Is an All-Star’ award.”
While Reaves ranks among the top candidates for the honor, the Most Improved Player award has often gone to players who were already considered rising stars. Over the past five seasons, winners have included Lauri Markkanen, Ja Morant, and Brandon Ingram—each of whom was a high-profile lottery pick before making significant jumps.
When pressed about making a case for Reaves, Redick declined to elaborate, noting that he had already praised his player throughout the season. His comments suggest skepticism about the fairness of the award rather than a lack of appreciation for Reaves’ development.
Reaves has been a crucial piece for the Lakers, who sit third in the Western Conference with a 46-29 record. His ability to create plays and score efficiently has helped Los Angeles surge up the standings after acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade.
Despite Redick’s stance, Reaves’ improvement is undeniable. The undrafted guard has increased his scoring and playmaking responsibilities while maintaining efficient shooting splits. His leap from a solid role player to a near-20-point scorer puts him in rare company.
