3 things Jayson Tatum must do to contest for the NBA MVP Award in the 2021-22 season

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is on the verge of superstardom. After a season in which he normed career bests in scoring, rebounding and assists, the Boston forward can still improve different aspects of his game to challenge for the NBA MVP award.

The past season showcased just how special he can be. Tatum is the youngest Boston Celtics player to hit 50 in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He dropped 53 on the Timberwolves for an extra-time victory. Three weeks later, he dumped 60 on the San Antonio Spurs to lead the Celtics past the Silver and Black after trailing by 32 points at one point.

More importantly, Jayson Tatum never shies away from the spotlight in crucial games. The Washington Wizards witnessed a 50-point explosion when Tatum guided the Celtics to the #7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Boston also only avoided a sweep of their series against the Brooklyn Nets in the postseason after Tatum torched them for another 50 on May 21, 2021.

Despite all of that, the Duke alum can still tweak his game to make a run at the MVP award.

#3 Jayson Tatum must build on his passing range and ability

Jayson Tatum passes out of a triple team.

Jayson Tatum’s assists increased to 4.3 last season compared to three a game the season before. It may look ordinary, but it signifies that JT is seeing the floor better and has improved in his reading of the game. In an episode of the Jalen & Jacoby show, new coach Ime Udoka stressed that Tatum and Jaylen Brown can elevate their games by being better playmakers.

At 6’8 tall, he can see plays develop and set up teammates when they are open. As he becomes more experienced, the game slows down for him and will allow him to diagnose defenses better. Tatum has always been a willing passer, but if he evolves into a legitimate passing threat, then he could be a dark horse to contend for the MVP crown.

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#2 Jayson Tatum must put his stamp on defense

Jayson Tatum trying to put the clamps on Kevin Durant.

Jayson Tatum has the physical tools to be a very solid defender. He has the length to contest shots inside and is very mobile to stifle guards on the perimeter. Based on FiveThirtyEight’s handy RAPTOR NBA player ratings, JT sits just below the average line as a defensive player.

Top-tier talents that are of the same frame and physical stature as Jayson Tatum have a positive impact on defense. A little more effort and attention to detail could nudge him over the average line and make him approximate the likes of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.

Being the best player on both ends for the Boston Celtics can only bolster his case as the best in the NBA.

#1 Tatum needs to become a vocal leader

Jayson Tatum talks to Jaylen Brown during a lull in an NBA game.

There are no metrics that can quantify the impact and effect of being an effective and good leader. Being a little more vocal as a leader of the Boston Celtics is something Ime Udoka wants from Tatum in his introductory press conference as head coach of the franchise.

The talented Boston Celtics forward declared how he rolls as a leader when pressed after the playoff loss to the Nets.

He could be a Tim Duncan type of anchor. One thing that he must do is coax more out of his teammates. It is what leaders do. Getting more out of the team could result in more Ws for the Celtics. After Marcus Smart and probably Al Horford, Tatum would be the natural Celtic that players will look up to.

The Boston Celtics will face an uphill battle to survive the loaded Eastern playoffs. If Jayson Tatum can lead by example and be a bit more communicative, the Cs could make a statement as a true contender. A good leader on a playoff-bound team never fails to get noticed when the MVP voting happens.

If he can take these aspects of his game to new heights, then the sky is the limit for Jayson Tatum. The 2021-22 NBA MVP trophy could be his after the season ends.

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