Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Tyrese Maxey has been named the NBA’s 2023-24 Most Improved Player, narrowly surpassing Chicago Bulls guard Coby White by a mere 14 points in a closely watched contest. This accolade recognizes Maxey’s ascent in the league, especially noting his debut in this season’s All-Star Game and a significant performance uplift from previous seasons.

However, the announcement came with its share of controversy due to the exclusion of Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga from the ballot. Despite a standout year, Kuminga was ineligible for consideration due to a technicality in the NBA’s voting criteria which requires players to have participated in at least 65 games with a minimum of 20 minutes per game. Kuminga appeared in 74 games but fell short of the 20-minute threshold in four crucial instances.

This season, Kuminga’s averages rose dramatically, from 9.9 points to 16.1 points per game, and his role expanded from starting just 16 games last season to 46 this year. His development was noted by both Warriors coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., who praised his growth and impact.

Though Maxey’s achievements this season are undisputed, the exclusion of Kuminga from the ballot due to such a narrow margin highlights potential flaws in the award’s criteria and sparks debate about the true spirit of the “Most Improved” title.

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