The Boston Celtics are walking on the clouds right now.
Joe Mazzulla’s team signed most of their core players to an extension, and they’re expected to be as good — if not better — for years to come.
Notably, it’s strange to have a team being at the top of the Conference more often than not and not having at least one MVP.
Jayson Tatum has been an MVP candidate in four of the last five seasons, and while he continues to post very impressive numbers, he’s never won the award.
Now, he thinks that’s finally about to change.
In his recent appearance on The Tonight Show, Tatum told Jimmy Fallon that he was going to win MVP next season (via Yahoo Sports).
“Can I say me?"
Jayson Tatum calls his shot for MVP with Jimmy Fallon
(via @FallonTonight)pic.twitter.com/qlyWYBY5Y2
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 12, 2024
Truth be told, there’s no reason to think that cannot be the case.
He’s the best player on the defending NBA champions, and he’s going to continue being their best player until further notice.
The problem with Tatum might be narrative-based.
NBA fans and some members of the media have already made up their minds about him, and he’s got a reputation for not showing up when it matters the most.
They also tend to think that the Celtics don’t actually need him to win.
Needless to say, both myths have been debunked over and over, but the MVP is as much a popularity contest as it is a testament to basketball greatness.
Tatum might not be the best player in the game, but he’s, by all means, a guy who could and should get more credit and consideration for this award.
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