Most of the debate and discourse around NBA awards each year boils down to the MVP race and this season has been no different. It has become a two-horse race between the favorite, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, and the three-time winner and defending MVP, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets.
I fully expect that discussion to turn completely toxic over the next few months with SGA likely winning due to team record, voter fatigue, “aura”, and who knows what other nonsense. But some other fascinating awards debates are going on as we creep towards the end of the season and one getting very little publicity is the Most Improved Player Award.
For any fans who haven’t been paying close attention, Jokic isn’t the only Nugget who is in play for a postseason award. Christian Braun has been having an exceptional season, entering the Denver starting lineup for the first time. He’s upped his career highs across the board and has proven to be an excellent fit for a team thriving to compete for a title.
As his steady play has continued and even improved as the season has gone on, Braun has also seen his odds improve and his momentum build for the MIP award. Yet, despite his historical season, Braun is still a heavy underdog and has quite a bit of ground to make up over decisive favorites Cade Cunningham and Norman Powell.
Christian Braun has 4th best MIP odds
But Braun’s odds have continued to get shorter and shorter as the season goes on and according to DraftKings Sportsbook, he now has the fourth shortest odds of any player in the NBA. Breakout star Cunningham is the favorite at -105 with veteran scorer Norm Powell right on his heels at +105.
After that, things drop off considerably. Tyler Herro of the Heat made his first All-Star Game and has the third-best odds at +1600, then it’s Braun at +5000, which is tied with second-year stud Amen Thompson from the Rockets.
But Cunningham was the number one overall pick and has been star prospect, his breakout should have been expected. Powell is having his best year but it’s largely thanks to the opportunity with Paul George leaving and Kawhi Leonard missing the first few months. Something similar could be said for the opportunity for Herro with Jimmy Butler being mostly absent for the Heat.
Braun, on the other hand, embodies what this award should be all about. He is still a role player, clearly 5th in the pecking order at best. Yet, he has improved as a player all across the board and become one of the best two-way role players in the NBA.
Braun is up to 15 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game on the season. He leads the entire league in transition points and has a historically strong True Shooting %. His defense, efficiency, and pace have brought incredible elements to the Nuggets and he is impacting winning and playing his role to perfection on a team that has a 36-19 record in the loaded West.
The Nuggets and Braun seem more than happy to fly under the radar. Braun is an unselfish player who just works hard and keeps quiet. But he deserves more attention for the season he’s having. Hopefully, if he finishes strong his MIP buzz will keep building and the national media will start to realize what a great season he’s having.