As the NBA approaches its postseason, the NBC Sports team has shared their predictions for the 2026 Most Improved Player award, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Duren emerging as frontrunners. Alexander-Walker, now in his seventh year and playing for his fourth team, has made a remarkable leap in his performance, increasing his scoring average from 9.4 to 20.4 points per game while maintaining career-best efficiency. His defensive prowess, ranking third in the NBA for turnovers forced, has been crucial for the Atlanta Hawks, who are expected to finish strong in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, Jalen Duren has also made significant strides, improving his play without a change in role, and has become a key player for the Detroit Pistons. The discussion around the award criteria remains contentious, with some analysts suggesting that the award should go to players who have shown the most substantial improvement rather than those who fit a specific narrative. Ryan Rollins, who has transformed from a waived player to a starting point guard, is also highlighted as a candidate, indicating the diverse range of players considered for this accolade.