NBA Most Improved Player Sleeper Bet For 2021-2022

• Assuming that Ben Simmons leaves the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason (as he hopes), the door will be open for a returning player to step up depending on what the return is. 

• While Tyrese Maxey has flashed glimpses of promise and most likely has a higher ceiling, Shake Milton (+15000, FanDuel) is a smart bet to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 2021-2022. 

• As seen many times in the past, most notably with Jeremy Lin, most NBA players can produce offensively when given the opportunity. In 63 regular season games last year, Milton averaged 13.0 points and 3.1 assists in 23.2 minutes. But in four games as a starter, he put up 18.0 points and 5.0 assists in 30.5 minutes per contest. 

• If he starts at the helm of an offense that features Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and another volume scorer, Milton could be in store for a huge year and is worth sprinkling some money on at this price as a sleeper.

The Case For Milton

Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia. 

It’d be foolish for the Sixers to not grant his wish in this age of player empowerment, so it’s relatively clear he won’t be back in Philly next season. 

While the return is uncertain and filled with rumors at the moment, there will most likely be an opportunity for a returning 76ers player to take on extra usage and jump into a new role in 2021-2022. 

That player could be Shake Milton. 

At +7000 on DraftKings, he’s a smart bet to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. 

As seen many times in the past, most notably with Jeremy Lin and Isaiah Thomas, most NBA players can produce offensively when given the opportunity. 

I'd go so far as to say that's the case for 95% of guards in the league; the more usage, the higher the traditional counting stats like points and assists.

In 63 regular season games last year, Milton averaged 13.0 points and 3.1 assists in 23.2 minutes. But in four games as a starter, he put up 18.0 points and 5.0 assists in 30.5 minutes per contest.

If he starts at the helm of an offense that features Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and another volume scorer, Milton could be in store for a huge year and put up a well-rounded stat line. 

For that reason, he’s worth sprinkling some money on at this price as a sleeper. 

Sure, there are better, more probable bets out there, but we’re chasing upside. If you’re in, click the button below to place this bet now!