The NBA announced the finalists for 2023-24 Most Improved Player. The finalists are Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets and Coby White of the Chicago Bulls.

Maxey improved from 20.3 points and 3.5 assists per game to 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game. Maxey also made his first All-Star team. In addition, the fourth-year guard took on an increased role for the Sixers following the James Harden trade and with Joel Embiid missing time due to injuries.

Sengun helped the Rockets improve from 22 wins last season to 41 wins this season. Sengun improved from 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his second season to 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists as a third-year player.

Coby White reclaimed his starting spot for the Bulls. After dipping to 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season, White improved to 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.

The Houston Rockets signed general manager Rafael Stone and assistant general manager Eli Witus to multi-year contract extensions earlier this season. 

The Rockets had a jump from 22 wins in 22-23 to 41 wins in 23-24 after hiring Ime Udoka and adding Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in the offseason.

Houston also has an encouraging young core headlined by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green.

The Rockets promoted Stone to general manager in 2020 following the departure of Daryl Morey.

Rafael Stone could agree to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets this offseason, reports Marc Stein.

Stone was elevated to the top decision-maker with the Rockets front office in 2020 following the departure of Daryl Morey.

The Rockets jumped by more than 20 wins this season with Ime Udoka in his first season as head coach. Houston signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks last offseason while their young core developed in an encouraging way. The Rockets are expected to pursue their trade options this offseason, while also having extension decisions on Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green.

"All indications Stone is firmly entrenched at the heart of Houston's decision-making," writes Stein.