Boston Celtics: 3 ways Jayson Tatum can put himself in MVP conversation

By Mark Nilon | Jan 22, 2021

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 01, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum MVP factor No. 2) Average around five assists

As we all know, MVP stands for Most Valuable Player (duh!).

With this, not only do these players make their team better as a whole, they make their teammates better individually.

While Jayson Tatum obviously makes his team more menacing when on the hardwood, one of his biggest weaknesses over his first few seasons in the league has been in the distribution department, where he’s only averaging 2.3 assists through four seasons.

That said, from what we saw from the young stud in the playoffs last season — where he dished out five dimes a game — and in glimpses through the early stages of this season — recorded 12 assists just a few weeks ago — he has the ability to be a tremendous set-up man.

This will come in handy for any push into the MVP conversation, for you have to go back 14 seasons to find someone who has won the award while averaging less than five assists per game (Dirk Nowitzki with an average of 3.4).

Though he may not have to post exactly this average, somewhere around five assists per game could certainly strengthen his odds.

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