SALT LAKE CITY β Elijah Harkless, the Utah Jazz two-way guard, has earned the 2024-25 Kia NBA G League Most Improved Player award, recognizing his dramatic development throughout the season. The announcement was made by the Salt Lake City Stars, the Jazz's G League affiliate, on Thursday.
The award honors the player who has demonstrated the most substantial growth in their performance from the beginning to the end of the season. Harkless's statistical leap and overall impact made him the clear choice for the accolade.
In 19 appearances split between the Stars and the San Diego Clippers, the LA Clippers' affiliate, Harkless posted impressive averages of 26.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. His contributions were instrumental in driving the Stars to a successful 21-13 regular season record and securing a spot in the G League playoffs.
Harkless's journey this season took a significant turn on January 1st when he signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. Since then, he has appeared in 10 games for the NBA club, showcasing the skills he honed in the G League. His standout play also earned him a selection to participate in the prestigious 2025 NBA G League Up Next Game during All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.
The San Bernardino, California native now etches his name in the history books as the first player from the Salt Lake City Stars franchise to ever receive the Most Improved Player honor.
The Stars' season continues as they prepare for a crucial playoff matchup. The team is set to face the Austin Spurs, the affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs, in the Western Conference Semifinals tonight at 7 P.M. MT. The game will be broadcast live on Tubi.
Harkless's award underscores the vital role the NBA G League plays in player development, providing a platform for athletes to refine their game and earn opportunities at the highest level. His recognition signals a promising trajectory for his professional career.
