JJ Redick has quickly become one of the NBA’s most respected coaches, earning praise for developing his players. Still, he did not hesitate to criticize the league’s Most Improved Player award.

© Elsa/Getty ImagesHead coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he receives a technical foul during the second half abbat TD Garden on March 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101.

The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as one of the top contenders for the NBA Championship. JJ Redick’s arrival has played a key role in developing several players.

Among them, Austin Reaves has shown significant growth. He continues to prove that he is a versatile and reliable piece for the franchise’s future.

 Although many praise Redick for bringing out the best in his players, he recently voiced strong criticism toward the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.

“I hate that award. They fail to define it. I think the spirit of it has been taken out of wack. I don’t like that award. Just call it the ‘high draft pick who’s one a max contract now and is an All-Star.’ 

Just call it that award because that’s what it is now…Am I wrong? That’s what it’s become. In the last five years, that’s what it’s become. I don’t think that’s in the spirit of the award,” stated JJ Redick as reported by Lakers Nation.

JJ Redick’s criticism does not target any of the potential winners individually. Instead, it focuses on the overall subjectivity of the award itself. As he pointed out, fans and analysts alike are often left guessing what the NBA is actually prioritizing when selecting a winner.

Given the impact Austin Reaves has made this season, JJ Redick was asked whether he believed the Lakers guard had a legitimate shot at winning the award. The head coach did not hesitate with his response: “He’s not gonna win it, but I’ve sang his praises all year.”

Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024.

Austin Reaves has notably increased his numbers throughout the season. In fact, he scored a career-high 45 points this season against the Indiana Pacers.

He also recorded more than 24 points in four of his last five games. After Luka Doncic arrived, many believed the team might move Reaves due to limited space. However, he adjusted quickly and proved that he deserves a key role in the franchise.

2024–25 NBA Most Improved Player candidates: Who’s in the running this season?

Cade Cunningham is one of the favorite candidates to win this season’s NBA Most Improved Player award. The Detroit Pistons guard has taken a major leap. In his fourth NBA season, he is averaging 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game.

These numbers reflect his impressive versatility and growing impact on both ends of the floor.

Moreover, Cunningham has taken full control of the Pistons’ offense. He leads the team with confidence and consistency. Detroit currently holds a playoff spot and looks ready to make a deep postseason run. With Cunningham setting the tone, the Pistons have become a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.

Nevertheless, Dyson Daniels or Norman Powell could also be candidates to earn the most improved player award. Even, some NBA experts have stated that Dyson Daniels have become the clear favorite for the award. Having the playoffs ahead, there is still the most important part of the season to come. For that reason, naming a clear candidate may be wrong since it could vary along the run.