The Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has had one of his best campaigns as a player this past 2023-24 NBA season. Not only that, he also won the Gold medal with his nation, Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the only thing he did not win was an individual award.
With his teammate Jaylen Brown claiming the NBA Finals and ECF MVP, Tatum’s contributions were seemingly overlooked. Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins recently addressed this topic on the NBA on ESPN show.
Perkins has been a huge admirer of his former side, especially the way they performed this past 2023-24 season. He had a message for Tatum ahead of the 204-25 NBA season: to win the NBA MVP award. Perkins claimed on the show that Tatum needs to be “selfish” if he were to win the NBA MVP Award.
Jayson Tatum needs to be selfish. Seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.
Kendrick Perkins said
However, Tatum has previously stated that he is happy to be a ‘team player’ and is more focused on winning with his side.
That said, the Celtics star would have to change his mentality if he seeks to win individual accolades in his career. Tatum is now focused on winning another NBA championship with his Celtics side.
He recently claimed that the Celtics are not ready to settle with one NBA title and will be looking to defend their Championship in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Jayson Tatum says he ‘will win NBA MVP Award’ ahead of 2024-25 NBA season
Despite playing at an MVP level for years, Jayson Tatum still lacks an MVP accolade on his record. In the MVP voting, he came in 12th place in 2019–20, sixth place in 2021–2022, fourth place in 2022–2023, and sixth place in 2023–2024.
Now Tatum has been garnering all the attention from the NBA community for his recent claim on the ‘Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.’
Tatum claimed on the show that he ‘will win the NBA MVP Award’ ahead of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the 2024-25 NBA season.
When Jimmy Fallon questioned Tatum regarding the MVP Award, Jayson Tatum said, “Can I say myself?” This showcased the immense confidence that Tatum has in himself going into the new NBA season.
However, winning the NBA MVP Award won’t be an easy task for Tatum. Jokic is still one of the favorites to win the MVP prize the next season. Dallas Mavericks player Luka Doncic is also anticipated to be a serious contender. Hence, it remains to be seen if Tatum fulfills his claim of winning the NBA MVP Award in the 2024-25 NBA season.
