NBA Most Improved Player winners, 1986-2026
Nickeil Alexander-Walker won the 2025-26 NBA Most Improved Player.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks. No. Every winner since 1986 has won it once.
Most winners by team
Counted by franchise today: a club that moved keeps its winners, and a club that folded is listed under its own name.
Every winner
The NBA Most Improved Player award goes to the player who improved the most over the season before, voted by a panel of media members. Team names are as they were at the time. Seasons are listed by the year they ended in the tables above.
Questions
Who won the 2025-26 NBA Most Improved Player?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks.
Has anyone won the NBA Most Improved Player twice?
No. Every winner since 1986 has won it once.
Which team has the most NBA Most Improved Player winners?
The Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic, with 5 each, counted by franchise.
Who won the first NBA Most Improved Player?
Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs, in 1985-86.
What is the NBA Most Improved Player?
The NBA Most Improved Player award goes to the player who improved the most over the season before, voted by a panel of media members.