Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum has been making a strong case for himself in the NBA MVP conversation.
Tatum has been on fire, averaging 28.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the month leading up to the All-Star break.
He delivered an impressive 41-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets.
Overall, Tatum is averaging 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, leading the Celtics to a league-best 43-12 record.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes it’s time to recognize Tatum’s MVP candidacy, and former Celtics player Kendrick Perkins agrees.
"If the Celtics finish with the #1 seed overall… Tatum is getting my vote"@KendrickPerkins joins @ChrisForsberg_ in an exclusive 1-on-1 interview to break down why Jayson Tatum is currently his pick to win NBA MVP 😤 pic.twitter.com/0piwMtqCIT
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 17, 2024
Kendrick Perkins: ‘I’m voting Tatum’ for MVP if season ended today.
“Oh, I’m voting for Jayson Tatum,”
Perkins told Forsberg.
“If the season stopped today — and this is my criteria: the best player with the best record. He’s doing that. People don’t realize the sacrifices that Tatum had to do. Right now, he’s averaging right around 27 points a game, eight and a half rebounds. That’s monster. And he’s shooting 55 percent or close to that as far as his 2-point field goal percentage.”
“Look, if the Celtics finish with the number one seed overall, the best record in the league, which I believe they will. Tatum is getting my vote.”
Perkins revealed that Tatum would be his choice for MVP if the season ended today, citing Tatum’s dominant play and the Celtics’ success as reasons.
Currently, Tatum has the seventh-best odds in the MVP betting race.
However, if he maintains his current level of play and the Celtics keep their position at the top of the league, his chances will likely improve.
Tatum is now preparing to play in his fifth All-Star Game, where he will start for the Eastern Conference team while his teammate Jaylen Brown comes off the bench.
Fans had this to convey.
Stephen A. Smith just made the case for this the other day, too.
The best player on the best team deserves consideration, especially when he's really embraced a leadership role on the team this year.
It's tough to argue with that case.
— Rhode Islander (@rhodeislander) February 17, 2024
Why are we platforming this guy after his disgusting comments about Coach?
— marcus westbrook 🐊 (@FireGoodelll) February 17, 2024
I didn’t know MVP was a team award. That’s a pretty lame criteria for determining most valuable player.
— Optimistic Mavs Fan (@Thetruth2727) February 17, 2024
He’s not bias or anything. Got you Mr cheerleading Pom Pom’s and skirt on too Perkins? No way that dudes MVP
— Wynn Bostick (@BostickWynn) February 17, 2024
Wtf would that have to do with it. Tatum has better teammates than the other candidates.
— Bandida1963 (@Bandida1963) February 17, 2024
He will change opinion 150 times…
— Outer Heaven (@OuterHeavenPt) February 17, 2024
Too late Perk
— Paul Campbell (@PaulSVCampbell) February 17, 2024
Perk sucks
— Ryan (@RyanAudette) February 17, 2024
Alright perk is allowed back on the bandwagon pic.twitter.com/jpzUoGyRJM
— ☭ omBrad S☘️evens (@comBradStevens) February 17, 2024
Depending what network he’s on he has a different answer
— Celts4eva33 (@celtsforeva) February 17, 2024
don’t interview this clown
— Nitsua The Boy (@NitsuaTheBoy) February 17, 2024
Perk got dirty money in his pocket
— Baz ☘️ (@Baz_Majid) February 17, 2024
