Although most awards like MVP, Sixth Man of the Year, and Clutch Player leave room for the same player to become a finalist in consecutive seasons, one of the only ones that do not, next to Rookie of the Year, is the NBA’s Most Improved Player. It is unheard of for a star to make back-to-back massive leaps, as once the award is won, their stats improve, but gradually.
Moreover, the LA Clippers have not had many finalists on their roster finish the regular season in the race for this award. This is due to their veteran-heavy system, which contradicts the purpose of the recognition, which is typically given to players in their early to mid-20s.
However, last season, Ivica Zubac, at age 27, was a nominee for the Most Improved Player award. This was deserved, yet unexpected for some, as he has been underrated for so long that fans did not think the league would honor his name and improvements.
Zubac ended his ninth season averaging 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 62.8% from the floor in 32.8 minutes. These numbers deserved much more attention, with his A-one defense, but a finalist for one of the most coveted trophies is a start.
Nonetheless, Zubac dominated the Clippers’ last 20 games of the season and playoffs, showing that another leap is bound to happen. This comes as music to the ears of fans, and it could make him a finalist for the same award if the jump in his tenth year is that momentous.
The chances are there that Ivica Zubac enters the top three for Most Improved Player, but this time, he wins it
Ivica Zubac deserved to win the 2024-25 award over Dyson Daniels, as they both flourished in their progression, but the center for the LA Clippers helped win more games on a team that advanced to the postseason. In fact, Daniels was on the Atlanta Hawks, who were eliminated in the play-in tournament.
Furthermore, Zubac could re-enter the discussion if he makes the 2026 NBA All-Star roster and concludes another great year with over 21 points, 13 rebounds, and the same level, or better, of defense he brought in the 2024-25 season.
Another nominee could be Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers, who will be shining without Tyrese Haliburton. Yet, there is no written rule against Zubac running things back, which would demonstrate the possible outcome of an increase in his statistics, again, plus a high seed in the Western Conference.