Paolo Banchero delivered a career-high 50 points on Monday night, leading the Orlando Magic to a 119-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers. His breakout performance not only grabbed headlines but also sent his Most Improved Player (MIP) odds skyrocketing at BetMGM, solidifying him as an early contender in the race.
Before the season tipped off, Banchero wasn’t a primary name in the MIP discussion. As of October 15, BetMGM had him listed at +3500, trailing significantly behind favorites like Victor Wembanyama, who led at +725. Following his scoring explosion on Monday, however, Banchero has shot up to the fourth-shortest odds to win MIP, now priced at +1400.
Not only did the former No. 1 pick drop 50 points, but he did so with remarkable efficiency, shooting 61.5% from the field. He was unstoppable in the first half, going 13-for-17 and posting 37 points—tying a Magic franchise record set by Tracy McGrady. He also made an impressive 22 trips to the free-throw line and rounded out his stat line with 13 rebounds and nine assists, just one shy of a triple-double.
This 50-point game doesn’t just signal that Banchero is a rising star—it’s a clear statement that he’s capable of taking over games and leading his team. His scoring outburst also highlights his ability to dominate offensively while elevating his teammates, making him an increasingly attractive candidate for MIP. If he continues to perform at this level, his odds may continue to climb.
Looking at past MIP winners, Banchero fits many of the criteria that have defined recipients over the last decade. Seven of the last 10 winners were in their third or fourth season; Banchero is now in his third. Nine of the last 10 averaged at least 20 points per game, a threshold Banchero is exceeding with 28.5 points per game this season—up from 22.6 last year.
The last two winners, Tyrese Maxey and Lauri Markkanen took home the award after similar statistical leaps. Maxey won last season after improving his stats by 5.6 points, 0.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists. Markkanen won in 2022, improving by 10.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.6 assists.
So far this season, Banchero has increased his scoring by 5.9 points, along with adding 2.4 rebounds and 0.6 assists—though the scoring spike is likely boosted by Monday’s performance.
While it’s early and the sample size is small, Banchero’s impressive start to the season is a strong indicator of the level he’s capable of reaching. If his current trajectory holds, he could very well be one of the season’s biggest success stories—and perhaps the next Most Improved Player.
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