As the NBA season continues to move forward MVP conversations and debates are heating up. In recent weeks Jayson Tatum has been discussed more in these MVP conversations. This came after Tatum said he was the league’s best player and as the Celtics are on an eight-game win streak. However, Tatum remains somewhat of a long shot ranking fifth on the NBA’s MVP ladder. Let’s evaluate Tatum’s MVP case and figure out if he has a legitimate shot in this loaded race.
Is Jayson Tatum A MVP Candidate?
The Case For Tatum
Tatum’s MVP case is pretty straightforward, he is the best player on the league’s best team. The Celtics’ dominance is a huge factor they are on pace for 63 wins this level of winning is rare and the star deserves some recognition. Being the engine on the best team regardless of the surrounding talent always warrants MVP consideration. History shows this is the criteria to be named MVP 40 out of the 67 MVPs in league history have been the best player on the best team.
Currently, the Celtics are 7.5 games ahead of the second-seeded Cavs impressively this is a bigger difference than the one and eight-seed in the West. If the gap between the Celtics and the rest of the East grows, Tatum’s MVP case will strengthen. Outside of team success Tatum’s case for MVP is centered around his well-rounded two-way impact and consistency. Ultimately Tatum’s elite play paired with the Celtics’ dominance gives him a case in a loaded field.
Main Competition
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is once again the MVP favorite this year he finished first in ESPN’s recent MVP straw poll. Jokic has the potential to win his third MVP in four years. Last year Jokic established himself as the consensus best player in the world. This momentum certainly helps Jokic in the MVP race. The best player in the league having another absurd season is a simple MVP case to make. Jokic’s unmatched impact, ability to elevate his team, and otherworldly advanced stats give him the clearest case of any candidate. Currently, the Nuggets are 1.5 games back from the number one seed if they can secure the top Jokic will likely have the award locked up.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder’s success has been one of the league’s best stories this year and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the main catalyst for this success. As the second youngest NBA team the Thunder are currently tied for the one seed and on pace for 57 wins. Leading this young of a team to this level of success is unprecedented and secures Shai’s spot in the MVP race. Shai’s elite scoring, abilities, clutch time play, and extreme consistency solidify his case. Ultimately, Shai’s elite play and the Thunder exceeding all expectations could earn him the award.
Luka Doncic
Averaging 34 ppg, 8.8 rpg, and 9.5 apg Luka Doncic has the best counting stats in the league. Luka’s 34 points per game also leads the league and there is arguably no player more important to his team’s success. He has also had some incredible moments this year including a legendary 73-point performance and a 50-point-15 assist game. Currently the eighth seed, the Mavericks’ record is the biggest knock on Luka’s case. However, the Mavericks recently went on a seven-game win streak. Additionally, they are just a game and a half of the fifth seed. If the Mavericks move up in the standings Luka very well could become the MVP favorite. For Tatum, his case is hurt by having less responsibility than these three main candidates especially compared to Luka who is asked to do everything for his team.
Secondary Competition
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Despite the Bucks having somewhat of a tumultuous season Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again having a stellar year. On the court, Giannis has been the glue holding the Bucks together through defensive struggles and a controversial coach firing. Giannis has remained elite on both ends of the floor while seeing an increase in minutes. Furthermore, Giannis is averaging a career-high in field goals made per game and has had some signature performances including a career-high 64-point game against the Pacers. If Giannis continues his stellar play and the Bucks can close the gap between them and Boston he could rise in MVP rankings. Conversely, if the Celtics’ dominance continues and the Bucks’ are unable to turn things around Tatum would likely surpass Giannis in the MVP race.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is in a similar position to Tatum. He is having an incredible year and leading one of the best teams in the league. Leonard’s resurgence and elite two-way play have landed him in MVP conversations. However, Leonard’s loaded roster and his lack of eye-popping numbers hurt his case. If the Clippers rise in the standings Kawhi may garner more MVP buzz. Ultimately, Leonard’s case feels a little weaker than most of the field he is battling for a top-five spot rather than a top-three spot or the award itself.
Verdict
While NBA history is on Tatum’s side, recent history suggests it’s hard to win MVP on such a talented team. The last three MVPs haven’t been on the league’s best team. Furthermore, this is arguably the most talented roster since the Kevin Durant era Warriors which will penalize Tatum. It makes sense the players in the top three of the race have more responsibilities and mean more to their team. Nevertheless, Tatum’s incredible team success and elite play positions him solidly in the top five of the race.
Fifth feels like the most likely spot for Tatum with fourth place being a strong possibility especially if the Bucks don’t show significant improvement. If the Celtics create more separation in the standings and Tatum continues to evaluate his play he could sneak into the top three. This would also likely require the Mavericks not to move up the standings so Tatum could bump out Luka. Finishing third in MVP voting feels like the ceiling for Tatum the field is just too stacked.
