More often than not, those who win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award would be on the trajectory to becoming an All-Star. In years past, players such as Julius Randle, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Giannis Antetokounmpo won the said accolade and made massive strides in their respective careers. This season, Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers is one example of a player who stands a chance of following in their footsteps.
As the NBA is set to return soon, there are several guys that can enjoy a similar journey, modeled after Darius Garland. We take a look at these early NBA Most Improved Player prospects and why hobbyists should take a chance on their cards.
Darius Garland Rookie Cards
As compared to his peers, Darius Garland’s rookie season underwhelmed almost everyone. Even with 12.3 points and 3.9 assists per game, the fifth pick from the 2019 Draft didn’t exactly live to expectations. But after one year in the NBA, Garland came out with guns blazing the following season for the Cavs.
During his sophomore campaign, Darius Garland notched 17.4 points on 45% shooting from the field and connected 40% of his attempts from downtown. He also improved as a playmaker by dishing out 6.1 assists in 33.1 minutes per game.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Darius Garland becomes the Cavaliers’ point guard of the future, especially after rumors that Colin Sexton was being shopped to other squads. If that thought becomes a reality, expect his PSA 10 Prizm rookie card value to jump up from its current price of $64.
OG Anunoby Rookie Cards
Let's move to other players from Darius Garland. The Toronto Raptors enter the upcoming season with a lot of uncertainty. After trading Kyle Lowry to the Miami Heat, it’ll be up to Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam to keep the boat afloat up in the north. Thankfully, they’ll have OG Anunoby to steady the ship with them.
Over the years, Anunoby has evolved from his time as a defense-centric forward into a capable wing on the offensive end of the court. Last season, he averaged 15.9 points on 48% from the field, 40% from deep, and 78% from the free-throw line. With more touches coming his way, collectors can expect Anunoby’s numbers to go up.
Since there’ll be more possessions to go around in Toronto, the chance of Anunoby taking a big leap is higher. When that happens, his PSA 10 Prizm rookie card price of $53 is going to be a massive steal. Darius Garland wouldn't be able to fetch a price that low.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Rookie Cards
Sending Jonas Valunciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans during the offseason only means Jaren Jackson Jr. will land the starting center gig for the Memphis Grizzlies — rightly so, because the big man can stretch the floor and provide credible defense on the other end of the court.
With those attributes in mind, Ja Morant will have more space to dominate in the paint with Jackson as his pick and roll partner. If things go according to plan, the fourth pick from the 2018 draft will finally live up to his potential. This possible outcome will boost his current PSA 10 Prizm rookie card price of $55 to a new level — not as high as Darius Garland, but still substantial
RJ Barrett Rookie Cards
RJ Barrett’s first year in the NBA didn’t exactly show him as a reliable shooter from beyond the paint. Sure, he has the talent and size to slash through the rim at will but what the New York Knicks needed from him was more. Fortunately, Barrett delivered.
Last season, the third pick out of Duke posted 17.6 points on 44% shooting from the field and connecting 40% of his attempts from downtown. Along with an improved jumper, Barrett also thrived as a defender under Tom Thibodeau’s tutelage.
As the NBA is set to open, New York is counting on Barrett to take his talents to a whole new level, in much the same way the Cavs need Darius Garland to find a higher gear. If Barrett manages to score more than 20 points a game while improving his defense, the Most Improved Player race will get really interesting. Also, his PSA 10 Prizm rookie card can take off from its present price of $79.
Michael Porter Jr. Rookie Cards
There’s no better prospect in the hobby than a young guy who can score at all three levels without much effort. Like Kevin Durant before him, Michael Porter Jr. has the potential to become an elite scorer in the NBA, the most important piece for any team gunning for the championship.
With Jamal Murray slated to miss the first few months of the season, Porter has more opportunities to take his game to the next level. From 19 points on 44% shooting from three and 7.3 rebounds per game, the 6’10” forward can increase his production to an All-Star level. Plus, playing for a contender will also improve his chances of bagging the MIP award next year. Doing so will be the catalyst for his PSA 10 Prizm rookie card to go up from its current value of $125.
Guys who are being groomed to win the MIP award are sleeper hits in the making, like Darius Garland and everyone else on this list. Whether they improve this year or not, the value these players present to collectors is quite the steal. And with the NBA set to open in less than a month, the window to hoard these cards is getting smaller. Better hunt them down now before they eventually increase soon.
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