Stephen A. Smith made a bold claim on ‘First Take’, asserting that Jayson Tatum is the leading candidate for the NBA MVP award. With Joel Embiid sidelined due to injury, Smith argued that Tatum’s impressive performance and leadership for the Boston Celtics make him deserving of the honor.
“I got Jayson Tatum as the leading candidate for league MVP. Now that Joel Embiid is out. I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Does winning matter? Does being the best player on the best team matter? I’d say it does.”
“They’ve got the best record in basketball. They’ve got a six-game cushion in the Eastern Conference… He is the best player on the Boston Celtics. He is the best player on the best team in the NBA. And I’m saying, we ain’t gonna ignore this brother any longer.” (3:25)
Smith highlighted Tatum’s statistical achievements, pointing out that he is one of only four players averaging at least 27 points and 8 rebounds per game, alongside Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite facing stiff competition from other MVP contenders, Smith emphasized Tatum’s impact on the court and his importance to the Celtics’ success.
Tatum’s versatility and scoring prowess were praised by Smith, who highlighted his ability to score from inside and outside the paint, as well as his improved shooting percentages. Standing at 6’9″, Tatum possesses a diverse skill set that includes post-up moves, perimeter shooting, and the ability to create his own shot, making him a formidable offensive threat.
Moreover, Smith underscored Tatum’s role as the leader of the Celtics, noting his importance to the team’s success. With a six-game cushion atop the Eastern Conference standings, Boston boasts the best record in the NBA, further bolstering Tatum’s case for MVP consideration.
Tatum’s impressive season stats further solidify his MVP candidacy, averaging 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 36.3% from the 3-point range. His all-around contributions on both ends of the floor have been instrumental in propelling the Celtics to the top of the standings and elevating his status as a legitimate MVP contender.
However, despite Smith’s assertion, there are several other players considered more favored candidates for the MVP award, including Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic.
While Tatum’s individual performance has been impressive, the competition for the prestigious award remains fierce, with factors such as team success and overall impact playing significant roles in the decision-making process.
There Is A Reason Why There Are 4 Players Who Have A Better Case Than Jayson Tatum
While Stephen A. Smith may argue that Jayson Tatum is the leading candidate for the NBA MVP award, there are compelling reasons why several other players have a stronger case for the honor. Firstly, Tatum’s situation with the Boston Celtics, while impressive, is bolstered by the team’s overall talent and depth.
With fellow stars like Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, along with a roster filled with legitimate starters, the Celtics boast a formidable lineup that contributes to their impressive record of 43-12. Tatum’s individual success must be considered within the context of his team’s overall strength. Despite the MVP buzz surrounding him, Tatum has made it clear that his primary focus remains on pursuing an NBA championship rather than individual accolades.
Comparing Tatum’s statistics to those of other MVP contenders further underscores the competition he faces. Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP, has been dominant for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 26.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game while shooting 57.7% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc. The Nuggets currently hold the fourth-best record in the Western Conference at 36-19.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to excel for the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing 30.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while shooting 61.1% from the field and 25.5% from 3-point range. Despite the Bucks’ challenges, they maintain the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 35-20.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a revelation for the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading them to a surprising second-place standing in the Western Conference. He averages 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, shooting 54.6% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range. The Thunder currently boast a record of 37-17.
Additionally, Luka Doncic’s extraordinary statistics for the Dallas Mavericks cannot be overlooked. Despite the team’s lower seeding in the West, Doncic’s averages of 34.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, along with his impressive shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range, highlight his exceptional talent and impact on the court. The Mavericks currently hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a record of 32-23.
Moreover, the value these players bring to their respective teams cannot be overstated. Each MVP contender plays a crucial role in their team’s success, with their absence likely resulting in a significant decline in performance.
While Tatum is undoubtedly a key contributor to the Celtics, his MVP candidacy is challenged by the remarkable performances of these other players and their indispensable roles on their teams. Thus, while Tatum may be in the conversation for MVP, there are several formidable contenders who have made compelling cases for the award.
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