Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum recently sat down with Jimmy Fallon, where he discussed an eventful summer that saw him achieve both his first NBA championship and a second Olympic gold medal. Additionally, he touched on his latest venture—a new children’s book. During their chat, Fallon posed a variety of basketball-related questions to Tatum. Among the highlights, Tatum forecasted a potential showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks and expressed his ambition to secure his first MVP award.
Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, responded to Tatum’s MVP aspirations on ESPN’s NBA Today. Perkins labeled Tatum’s ambition as “selfish,” but with a positive spin. He explained, “When I say he’s selfish, it’s not in a negative way. It’s about focusing on one’s own advantage or well-being.” Perkins drew from his own experiences, recalling how after winning a championship, Kevin Garnett initially misinterpreted Perkins’ drive for personal accolades. Garnett later realized the importance of individual goals and encouraged Perkins to pursue them.
Looking ahead, Tatum certainly has the talent to win the MVP award. As one of the top players in the league, he benefits from a strong supporting cast with the Celtics. Alongside Tatum, Jaylen Brown, who was named Finals MVP, provides formidable support. The team also includes key players such as Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis, each of whom has the potential to shine on any given night.
For Tatum to clinch the MVP title, the Celtics will need to maintain their strong performance throughout the season. He will have to outperform other leading candidates like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With the Celtics’ impressive roster and Tatum’s determination, the possibility of him achieving this goal is within reach.