While the NBA and its fans have made it abundantly clear that the Most Improved Player race shouldn’t include sophomores, as it’s only natural for most rookies to struggle in their first year before showing natural signs of growth as they become more familiar with the pro game, it doesn’t mean that it’s pointless to analyze and evaluate the growth a player shows in their second year in the league.
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A player’s sophomore season is often an important indicator of their true ceiling as they continue to grow as an NBA player. While it’s also natural for an outstanding rookie to take a step back as defenses become keener to his tendencies and weaknesses, it only makes it that much more impressive when a young player can continue their ascension into their second season.
There have been a number of truly impressive NBA sophomores this season. Players such as Josh Giddey, Jalen Suggs, and Corey Kispert have all shown tremendous growth between their rookie years and now.
There have also been a few disappointments as well. Of course, losing Cade Cunningham for the year to injury was a major blow to Detroit Pistons fans and NBA fans in general.
Other players who have simply stagnated such as Scottie Barnes will have to take huge strides in the offseason if they’re to regain their future star label.
The two most recent 1st round picks for each Big Ten member
Michigan
• Franz Wagner (8th overall) 2020
• Jordan Poole (29th overall) 2019Michigan State
• Jaren Jackson Jr (4th overall) 2018
• Miles Bridges (12th overall) 2018Ohio State
• Malaki Branham (20th overall)… pic.twitter.com/NNt70XKN24— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) April 18, 2023
The race for the most improved sophomore, though, really boils down to only three players: Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, and Franz Wagner.
Mobley’s lack of jump in counting stats might take him out of the equation, but his ability to positively impact a potential title-contending team in the Cleveland Cavaliers while adjusting to playing alongside a superstar like Donovan Mitchell should be noted and celebrated.
Jalen Green has improved his production from 17.3 points and 2.6 assists to 21.9 and 3.5 respectively.
While that shouldn’t be dismissed, Green is simply making the most out of his situation with the Houston Rockets, gunning for a team that was predestined to wind up with top lottery odds.
Franz has seen similar boosts in his production, while playing for a better team and having to cater to a new franchise cornerstone in Paolo Banchero. Despite having a new mouth to feed in the offense, Wagner has increased his scoring from 15.2 points all the way up to 18.7 per game.
Unlike Green, Wagner has also increased his efficiency along with his volume. All things considered, Franz Wagner has been the most impressive NBA sophomore overall.
2023 NBA Draft prospect Victor Wembanyama (@vicw_32) joins @malika_andrews on #NBAToday!
Watch at 3pm/et on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/7Dm0qXK33S
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2023
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| Title: Franz Wagner has been the most impressive NBA sophomore
| Author: Andy Quach
| Date: Apr 20, 2022
