NBA Most Improved Player Power Rankings: Does Scottie Barnes have a shot?

4. Coby White, Chicago Bulls

The perpetual Raptors trade target appears to have finally put all the jigsaw pieces together, as the efficient offensive production we are seeing from the former North Carolina standout and Top 10 pick is exactly what Chicago thought they were getting all along. White is setting himself up for a big payday.

White pumped up his scoring per game from 9.7 last year to 17.7 this season, all while setting new career-best marks in efficiency both inside and outside the arc. Like Barnes, White is in a situation where his own team's poor record might be what ends up ruining his charge at the MIP.

Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes could win Most Improved Player in 2023.

3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Barnes' impact on his team might be as great as anyone on this list, and that could end up being what swings some voters over to his side of the aisle. If that doesn't work, perhaps a quick glance at his statistics would be enough to get voters swooning over him again.

Barnes is averaging 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game despite having to split responsibilities with Pascal Siakam often and playing on a roster that lacked spacing before the OG Anunoby trade. Barnes should at least get some extra votes for the degree of difficulty as he takes hold of a new-look team.