The NBA has officially announced Cade Cunningham, Dyson Daniels and Ivica Zubac as the three finalists for the 2024-25 Most Improved Player award.
Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a 44-38 record and their first playoff berth since 2019.
The 23-year-old guard delivered career-best averages of 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists across 35 minutes per game.
Compared to last season’s 22.7 points, 4.3 boards and 7.5 assists in 33.5 minutes, his statistical leap was one of the most notable among Eastern Conference guards.
Daniels, 22, also showed major development after joining the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason.
The Australian guard went from a reserve role in New Orleans to a full-time starter in Atlanta, improving his averages from 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists to 14.1 points, 5.9 boards and 4.4 assists.
Daniels started 76 games this season and played 33.8 minutes per game, helping the Hawks secure the No. 8 seed in the East.
Meanwhile, Zubac posted the most productive campaign of his nine-year career with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 28-year-old center averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists over 32.8 minutes per contest.
He had previously never averaged more than 11.7 points or 9.5 rebounds in any season.
Zubac’s consistent interior presence contributed to the Clippers finishing fifth in the West with a 50-32 record.
All three candidates elevated their performance while playing key roles for postseason teams.
The winner of the 2024-25 Most Improved Player award will be revealed later during the NBA playoffs.
