2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player Sleeper Picks

By Jeff Stinger • October 5, 2022

The Most Improved Player award is yet to see tighter competition between the frontrunners. As we get a good picture of the landscape for most teams after the NBA Draft and free agency, we start to pinpoint key pieces that could contend for the title. With that, Nitrobetting shares a good look at the top 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player Sleeper Picks.

Top Sleeper Picks for the 2022-23 Most Improved Player

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— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) October 5, 2022

Max Strus

NBA Most Improved Player Odds: +10,000

The Miami Heat found a gem in Max Strus following deep playoff runs for three consecutive years. Strus has been a pivotal player in Miami’s success. The undrafted shooting guard/small forward made his debut with the Bulls in 2019. It was a short-term stint for the DePaul graduate. However, he eventually found his way to Erik Spoelstra’s system in 2020 with a training camp contract. Miami converted his contract to a two-way contract shortly after.

Strus emerged from the unknown to a key piece in the success of the Eastern Conference giants. He was a reliable scorer during his time at Lewis and once scored 52 points in his sophomore year, shooting 12-of-14 from deep. Now that the underdog fought his way into the rotation and became a viable floor-spacer, we expect the 26-year-old to step up once again.

Jonathan Kuminga

NBA Most Improved Player Odds: +10,000

Kuminga is easily the most athletic player on the Warriors roster. He introduces a different kind of energy to the floor with a continuously-improving skill-set to boot. We haven’t seen much of the teenager since picking up several injuries. Originally selected by the Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 Draft, we expect to see more from him post-injury.

The Patrick School product posted 9.3 points, 0.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in his first season for the Dubs. We expect to see more of the forward in the rotation as Otto Porter Jr. departs the squad along with Gary Payton II. If Steve Kerr can trust him and be consistent with his game, the rest of the organization anticipates improved figures from the young talent.

Malik Monk

NBA Most Improved Player Odds: +15,000

Defense is a nearly non-existent aspect of last season’s Kings squad. But Malik Monk is expected to add that dimension to the team for this upcoming campaign. The former Lakers guard adds value to the franchise on both ends of the floor. He capped his 2021-22 campaign with averages of 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

Coming from a pressure-packed environment to a more balanced side should trigger more improvements from Monk. While he is yet to discover the key to consistency, we’ve seen outpourings of positive scenarios come from him. The 24-year-old plays an exciting style of basketball that can help shoot long-range shots, resolve spacing issues, and stay aggressive on offense and defense with more playing time. That said, we expect him to be a hot commodity as he makes his way to Nitrbetting’s top 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player Sleeper Picks.

Reggie Jackson

NBA Most Improved Player Odds: +19,000

Jackson took the helm during Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s absence from the lineup in the last two seasons. He was the Clippers’ starting point guard during the 2021-22 season and was their best player on the floor. From clutch bail-out shots, meeting scoring demands, all the way to game-winners, Jackson did it all for Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old expects a reduced role with the addition of John Wall to the franchise. Last season, Jackson averaged a career-high in minutes per game. He finished the previous campaign with an average of 16.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 31.2 minutes on the floor. These are staggering numbers considering he joined the franchise as a backup guard. He became the silver lining to the injuries of both Kawhi and George. Having the aforementioned back with Wall in the rotation could be more beneficial to his game.

Buddy Hield

NBA Most Improved Player Odds: +25,000

Buddy Hield makes a good case for our 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player Sleeper Picks list. He walks into the Pacers franchise as a known scorer and a premier shooter in the league. Although he spent a good five seasons with the Kings, Hield is yet to make a consistent appearance in the playoffs. Now that he joined the Pacers with a taller role and a fresh start, we might see better performances coming from him moving forward.

Despite logging a career-worst 32.6% from deep in 26 games with the franchise last season, he averaged 18.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. This comes close to his 2018-19 season where he produced a career-best scoring record. If Indiana decides to keep him, we could see Hield thriving in the environment where he remains the offensive focal point.

Where to Bet on the 2022-23 NBA season with Bitcoin

Losing head coach Ime Udoka for the upcoming campaign could be a huge hit to the Boston Celtics 2022-23 NBA season odds in the coming weeks. Their future can somehow shake the confidence of sportsbooks, bettors, and the team. It hurts last year’s finalists but remains a solid pick as of now. Many still buy their recent success and we are yet to see if the roster can take things up a notch starting in October. Be sure to check out the latest NBA odds and futures on Nitrobetting.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.