NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Where's Magic Big Man Bol Bol?

Bol Bol has been one of the biggest surprises for the Orlando Magic this season. But is he the most improved player in the NBA?

Jeremy Brener | Nov 20, 2022

NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Where's Magic Big Man Bol Bol? /

ORLANDO - Bol Bol has been one of the brightest spots for the Orlando Magic in the first 16 games of the season.

So far, Bol is averaging 13.3 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, far better than what he was able to do in his first three NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets. In Saturday's loss against the Indiana Pacers, Bol scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his fourth double-double in his last five games.

His numbers are one of the biggest jumps in the NBA, placing him in line to be one of the top candidates for the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Bol currently has the sixth-best odds to be the Most Improved Player of the Year at +4200, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Bol ranks behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies) and Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers).

The difference between Bol and the others is there was some semblance of potential shown last season or earlier. For Bol, this is the first year he's enjoyed individual success in the league, making the jump from borderline benchwarmer to key role player.

Bol and the Magic face the Pacers Monday night at 7 p.m.

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Published Nov 20, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.