Boston Celtics: 3 reasons why Jayson Tatum deserves the NBA’s Most Improved Player award

Grandiose increases in virtually every statistical category

The Most Improved Player award is bestowed to the individual who has shown the most progress throughout the regular season in comparison to his performances from the year prior. For those of you who have missed ample opportunities to see for yourself the vast improvements Jayson Tatum has made from last season to this one, don’t worry; the numbers are a fine way of seeing his progressions.

To many, last season was viewed as somewhat of a sophomore-slump for 2017’s 3rd overall selection. After an unbelievable postseason run the year prior, many viewed 2018 as his potential breakout campaign.

Unfortunately, however, this did not turn out to be the case.

Due to a myriad of underlying factors, the wing seemed to simply plateau in year two, posting averages of 15.7 points and six boards a night on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep. Solid numbers? Yes, but in comparison to preseason hype, his season production was seen as highly underwhelming.

However, his 2019-20 production easily put this most recent roller coaster of a season for Tatum to rest.

With a few changeups here and there on the roster, Tatum had to take on a new role and responsibilities for the franchise — and produced admirably.

Through 59 outings, the 22 year old stuffed the stat sheet with impressive averages of 23.6 points (nearly an eight point increase), 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and just shy of a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from deep on 7.1 attempts from that range a game (up nearly four attempts from the season prior).

If the MIP award actually goes to players who’ve drastically improved from one season to the next, then check one for Tatum.