Emerging Stars: Why Gradey Dick, Trey Murphy III, and Dyson Daniels Are Top Candidates for the 2024-25 NBA Most Improved Player Award

Every NBA season, a few players emerge from relative obscurity to make significant strides in their game, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. The Most Improved Player (MIP) award is a testament to these athletes’ hard work, dedication, and growth. Last season, Tyrese Maxey clinched the MIP award after seizing the opportunity presented by James Harden’s departure. Maxey’s increased playing time allowed him to showcase his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, transforming him into a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Similarly, Coby White finished as a close runner-up due to injuries on his team, which allowed him to take on a larger scoring role. As we look ahead to the 2024-25 NBA season, the question arises: who will be the ‘Coby White and Tyrese Maxey’ of this year? Three young and under-the-radar players—Gradey Dick, Trey Murphy III, and Dyson Daniels—stand out as potential candidates for the MIP award.

Gradey Dick, a promising talent, has shown glimpses of his potential during his time in the G League and the latter half of last season. Known for his strong shooting percentage, Dick was drafted primarily for his NBA-ready shooting ability. However, his game extends beyond just shooting; he possesses secondary playmaking skills and a good size at 6-6, making him a versatile player. With several players leaving the Toronto Raptors, Dick has a golden opportunity to break into the starting lineup. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his playmaking and defensive potential, makes him a compelling candidate for the MIP award. If he can capitalize on the increased playing time and continue to develop his all-around game, Dick could emerge as a key player for the Raptors and a strong contender for the MIP award.

Trey Murphy III is another player who has the potential to make significant strides this season. Murphy was expected to have a breakout season last year, but injuries hindered his development. Despite this setback, he remains a highly talented player with deep range on his three-point shots and the ability to dunk effectively. Murphy’s improvement on defense and his potential to be a big-time scorer make him an intriguing candidate for the MIP award. Navigating the tough situation with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he and Herb Jones are both starting-caliber wings, will be crucial for Murphy. If he can stay healthy and carve out a significant role in the Pelicans’ rotation, Murphy has the tools to make a substantial impact this season.

Dyson Daniels, highly coveted by the Atlanta Hawks in their trade with the Pelicans, is another player to watch. Expected to be the first guard off the bench, Daniels will have more opportunities to showcase his skills this season. Known for his strong perimeter defense, Daniels is a good fit alongside the Hawks’ offensive-minded guards. At 6-7 with a 6-10 wingspan, he has the physical tools to excel defensively and can guard multiple positions. His passing ability is also noteworthy; he recorded eight assists in a summer game for Australia, highlighting his playmaking potential. At only 21 years old, Daniels has room for improvement in his shooting, but his defense will earn him significant playing time next season. If he can develop a consistent jump shot, Daniels could become a key player for the Hawks and a strong candidate for the MIP award.

The Oklahoma City Thunder also have a bright future, with Jalen Williams being a key player in their success. The team finished with a franchise-high 57 wins last season, and despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance, Williams has stood out with impressive stats. Averaging 19.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, Williams has adapted to playing out of position as a forward. Although he was not considered for the MIP award last season, his strong all-around game is gaining recognition. Many see him as a potential All-NBA talent, drawing comparisons to Kawhi Leonard. Williams’ commitment to improving his game and his impact on the Thunder’s success make him a player to watch in the upcoming season.

Williams’ growth and potential are indicative of the Thunder’s bright future. Entering his third year in the league, Williams aims to make significant strides in his game. If he follows the trajectory of past league stars like Kawhi Leonard, the Thunder could see even more success. Williams is set to become a cornerstone of the team’s future, with the potential to earn All-NBA accolades. His impressive performance has brought attention to his integral role in the team’s success, and his growth and potential make him a player to watch in the upcoming season. The OKC Thunder’s performance and playoff potential could see another leap next season, with Williams playing a crucial role in their success.

The NBA’s Most Improved Player award is not just about individual talent; it often reflects a player’s ability to seize new opportunities and adapt to changing circumstances. For Gradey Dick, Trey Murphy III, and Dyson Daniels, the 2024-25 season presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Dick’s chance to break into the Raptors’ starting lineup, Murphy’s potential to bounce back from injuries, and Daniels’ opportunity to showcase his skills with the Hawks all set the stage for these players to make significant improvements. Their development will not only impact their respective teams but also shape the narrative of the upcoming NBA season.

Gradey Dick’s journey from the G League to potentially becoming a key player for the Raptors is a testament to his resilience and hard work. His ability to shoot from long range, combined with his playmaking skills and defensive potential, makes him a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways. If he can capitalize on the increased playing time and continue to develop his all-around game, Dick could emerge as a key player for the Raptors and a strong contender for the MIP award. His growth will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as he has the potential to become one of the most improved players in the league.

Trey Murphy III’s potential to make significant strides this season is undeniable. Despite the setbacks he faced last year due to injuries, Murphy remains a highly talented player with deep range on his three-point shots and the ability to dunk effectively. His improvement on defense and his potential to be a big-time scorer make him an intriguing candidate for the MIP award. Navigating the tough situation with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he and Herb Jones are both starting-caliber wings, will be crucial for Murphy. If he can stay healthy and carve out a significant role in the Pelicans’ rotation, Murphy has the tools to make a substantial impact this season.

Dyson Daniels’ potential to become a key player for the Atlanta Hawks is also noteworthy. Known for his strong perimeter defense, Daniels is a good fit alongside the Hawks’ offensive-minded guards. At 6-7 with a 6-10 wingspan, he has the physical tools to excel defensively and can guard multiple positions. His passing ability is also noteworthy; he recorded eight assists in a summer game for Australia, highlighting his playmaking potential. At only 21 years old, Daniels has room for improvement in his shooting, but his defense will earn him significant playing time next season. If he can develop a consistent jump shot, Daniels could become a key player for the Hawks and a strong candidate for the MIP award.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s bright future is further highlighted by Jalen Williams’ impressive performance. Averaging 19.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, Williams has adapted to playing out of position as a forward. Although he was not considered for the MIP award last season, his strong all-around game is gaining recognition. Many see him as a potential All-NBA talent, drawing comparisons to Kawhi Leonard. Williams’ commitment to improving his game and his impact on the Thunder’s success make him a player to watch in the upcoming season. His growth and potential are indicative of the Thunder’s bright future, and he is set to become a cornerstone of the team’s success.

Tagged NBA, NBA Most Improved Player Award, Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander