NBA Most Improved Player 2025-26 Season: Latest Power Rankings as Jalen Johnson Stuffs the Stat Sheets with Ease (Dec 28, 2025)

Next to the Indiana Pacers, the Atlanta Hawks currently have the worst skid in the Eastern Conference, as a 126-111 loss to the Miami Heat extended their losing streak to five games. Amidst these struggles, the Hawks (15-17) do have a reason to be jolly in late December.

That reason is none other than the stellar play of Jalen Johnson, who continues to build a strong case for the Most Improved Player (MIP) award. Though the Hawks are in desparate need of a win at this point, they can at least reassure themselves that the future of the franchise is in good hands with their stat-stuffing 24-year-old.

NBA Most Improved Player 2025-26 Season: Latest Power Rankings (Dec 28, 2025)

#5 Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Previous Ranking: 5th

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NBA: Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks - Source: Imagn

GP 28 | PPG 19.8 | RPG 9.2 | APG 9.2 | SPG 1.0 | BPG 0.4 | TOV 3.6

FG 47.2% | 3PT 39.1% | FT 74.8%

The Chicago Bulls picked up two wins over the Atlanta Hawks and a victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Josh Giddey was a driving force in all three games. As long as Giddey continues to flirt with a triple-double average this season, he'll be in contention for the MIP award.

#4 Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

Previous Ranking: 3rd

Detroit Pistons v Boston Celtics - Source: Getty

GP 28 | PPG 18.3 | RPG 10.8 | APG 1.8 | SPG 0.8 | BPG 1.0 | TOV 2.3

FG 63.4% | FT 72.6%

Jalen Duren's MIP case takes a bit of a hit as he struggles with consistency this past week. Coming off strong double-double performances in wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and the Sacramento Kings, Duren put up an 11-point, 4-rebound performance in a loss to the Utah Jazz on Boxing Day.

#3 Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

Previous Ranking: 4th

Los Angeles Lakers v Utah Jazz - Source: Getty

GP 30 | PPG 24.1 | RPG 4.2 | APG 6.8 | SPG 0.9 | BPG 0.3 | TOV 3.4

FG 45.3% | 3PT 36.9% | FT 90.8%

The trajectory of Keyonte George's scoring production this past week is a clear indicator of his tremendous growth as a player. He dropped 20 points against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, scored 24 points against the Memphis Grizzlies the next day, and outscored fellow MIP contender Duren as he torched the Pistons with 31 points on Friday.

#2 Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

Previous Ranking: 1st

NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn

GP 31 | PPG 25.6 | RPG 7.1 | APG 6.6 | SPG 0.7 | BPG 0.6 | TOV 3.8

FG 46.7% | 3PT 36.4% | FT 80.6%

The Blazers lost three games this past week, but it's hard to ignore what Deni Avdija has been putting up. His best outing came against the LA Clippers; in this Friday night game, Avdija had 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.

#1 Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Previous Ranking: 2nd

Chicago Bulls v Atlanta Hawks - Source: Getty

GP 29 | PPG 23.8 | RPG 10.4 | APG 8.3 | SPG 1.4 | BPG 0.4 | TOV 3.5

FG 52.5% | 3PT 36.8% | FT 82.1%

Last Sunday, Jalen Johnson put up 36 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists against the Chicago Bulls. This was a sign of things to come, as Johnson followed up this stat line with two 24-9-10 performances later on in the week. Not only is Johnson doing the dirty work and setting up his teammates, but he has also gladly embraced the role of becoming one of the Hawks' primary scorers.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado