This year has been one of wonders for Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, the 21-year-old St. Louis native who many have pegged to be the face of the Celtics for years to come.
In many ways, Tatum appears to be the next coming of Paul Pierce for Boston, earning his first All-Star appearance in what’s his third season (Pierce earned his first All-Star appearance in his fourth season) and being one of three players to average over 20.0 points per game for the Celtics but leading the team in total points, rebounds and steals. His scoring prowess, long-held as the best aspect of his game, is now nearly matched by his growth as a defender.
His confidence, which has never seemed to wane, has led to the Duke product giving himself high expectations.
Ones that he’s lived up to in 2019-20.
The sky appears to be the ceiling for Tatum and he’s already flying high, particularly when seeing that he’s now emerged as a dark horse MVP candidate.
On NBA.com’s NBA MVP Ladder, Tatum is now ranked 9th, sandwiched between Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis and Houston Rockets superstar Russell Westbrook. Fellow All-Star Kemba Walker isn’t even ranked as high as he is right now.
The third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum has yet to reach the peak of his powers but he’s already well on his way to establishing himself as a perennial All-Star.
It’s unlikely that Tatum will win NBA MVP with the success of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. The impressive seasons that the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, along with the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have had also hurt his cause. However, being this young and this good bodes well for his playing future and the chances that he’ll be a bonafide MVP candidate — perhaps even a finalist — soon.
Celtics fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about their team but Tatum, one of the most skilled young players in the league, is at the top of the list.