Jayson Tatum recently shared his goals for the NBA season, emphasizing his commitment to winning another championship with the Boston Celtics rather than focusing on individual accolades like the MVP. Reflecting on his team’s deep roster, Tatum acknowledged that while he won’t always lead in scoring or put up the same numbers as some of his teammates, team success is his priority.
“We have a lot of talented players on this team,” Tatum said. “I might not always post the same stats as others, but that’s perfectly fine. What we accomplished last June is what matters most, and the goal is to win another championship, not MVP.”
Tatum’s impressive individual performance this season supports his leadership role on the Celtics. He is averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, with shooting splits of 46.3% from the field, 37.2% from three, and 80.3% from the free-throw line. These contributions have helped the Celtics to a 22-6 record, positioning them as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
While the Celtics are a well-rounded squad, their road to another championship will not be easy. They will face stiff competition in the East, particularly from teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics’ depth will be crucial in navigating the playoffs, especially considering injury concerns surrounding Kristaps Porzingis. Still, the team’s overall talent and cohesion make them strong contenders for the title.
Though Tatum isn’t fixated on winning MVP, his stellar play has him firmly in the conversation. His all-around contributions, combined with the Celtics’ success, make him a serious candidate for the award. Other MVP contenders, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will challenge him, but Tatum’s impact on the Celtics’ strong performance is undeniable.
Tatum’s pursuit of MVP could also be viewed as a form of redemption. Last year, despite leading the Celtics to an NBA championship, he struggled during the playoffs. His 25.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game were solid, but his efficiency was lacking, as he shot just 42.7% from the field and 28.3% from three. This led to his teammate Jaylen Brown winning Finals MVP, even though Tatum played a key role in the championship run. This season, however, Tatum has been more efficient, and with the Celtics looking strong, he remains one of the top MVP contenders.
