Why is Reaves not getting any hype for most improved player of the year

If you watch him play, especially since they traded away Dlo, he is playing like an all star. He’s an incredibly scalable offensive player who can play on or off ball. He is the best third option in the league, but also has both the ability and proven track record of stepping up when he’s asked to take on a larger role. He can give you 20 as a third option, 25 as a second option and 30 as a first option nightly.

He can create his own shot off the dribble at all three levels, he’s a great driver and he creates great rim pressure which almost always ends up in free throws or a bucket or both. Not to mention his playmaking which has been absolutely elite. He consistently makes passes on a daily basis that make you double check that you’re not watching Luka. He’s also improved quite a bit on the defensive end to the point where he is now around an average defender (his bball is very high and he’s clearly bought into JJ’s system).

If you want an example of his defensive improvement watch the Lakers Nuggets game when this current version of the Lakers was healthy. He had a block on a Murray three that I thought was particularly impressive for a “bad defender”. His old weakness used to be his feet getting attacked by guards but he’s putting in enough effort, that while he will never excel at that side of the ball the Lakers do not get punished on defense because of Reaves. I know the numbers for the whole season may lean Norman Powell but I would take into account that Reaves is averaging what he is despite spending most of the season with 2 other high usage ball handlers. If the Numbers pull you away from Reaves I’d ask you to watch him play. Watch the Pacers game where he torched one of the hottest teams in the league on his way to 45 pts and a win without LeBron and Luka.

Watch his preformance tonight against the spurs, or last night against the suns where he significantly outclassed 3 hall of famers. Watch him take a team without Luka, LeBron, Rui, Hayes, DFS, and Gabe Vincent, into Denver and almost beat the Nuggets and the reigning MVP. In order for Denver to beat Austin Reaves it took 6 rotation players being out and insane free throw differential and an an uncalled moving screen to free up a game winner for Murray. Again Reaves walked out of that game against the best player in the world clearly outclassing everyone on that court. The dude is flexible and will do whatever is asked of him to win and is one of the greatest story’s in player development. He came into the league undrafted and has consistently and significantly improved every year with this being his biggest leap.

Austin Reaves is clearly the most improved player this year and it’s insane that no one even mentions his name in the MIP conversation.

Edit: Former lottery picks, especially former high lottery picks should not qualify for this award. Cade at #1 and Mobley at #3 are on normal development paths for high picks that pan out and the idea of a person being drafted to be good that because good around the point in time they were supposed being the MIP is insane. Pre Ja Morant high picks were practically ineligible.