Cleveland Cavaliers' Jaylon Tyson is looking like the NBA's Most Improved Player
Heading into the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were heavily relying on Jaylon Tyson to turn himself into a valuable rotation piece, but even the front office couldn’t have predicted the second-year forward would become.
Tyson is fresh off scoring a career-high 39 points and leading the Cavaliers in their 119-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
Following this star-level performance, Donovan Mitchell made it clear that Tyson needs to start getting recognition as the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
Dec 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates after hitting a three-point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images“He needs to be in the most improved category. He needs to win the award. No one else is doing this in their second year. This is special. I mean, he is the reason we won the game. To do that and guard Tyrese Maxey for 48 minutes, that’s a special kid. I’m so happy for him. Wow. Wow. That’s crazy.”
“This is his second year in the league and it’s like he’s been here for 10 years,” Mitchell said. “I’m so happy for that kid. I’m so happy for him. He puts so much work in,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell even took to social media after the contest to continue his campaign for Tyson to be included in the Most Improved Player conversation.
Historically, it is pretty rare for a second-year player to win the Most Improved Player Award, because there’s an expected jump between a player’s rookie and sophomore season, but what Tyson is doing is worth the exception.
The forward appeared in 47 games in his rookie season, and mostly saw his playing time toward the end of contests when games had already been decided. Now, Tyson is a full member of the rotation and is currently averaging 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 52.4 percent from the floor and 47.5 percent from behind the arc
If Tyson continues to play at this level throughout the second half of the season, there’s no question he should be at a minimum at Most Improved Player finalist once all 82 games have been played.