Boston Celtics: 3 ways Cs can help Jayson Tatum become MVP candidate

By Chris Conte | Jul 6, 2021

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at TD Garden on February 17, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Towards the end of the 2020-21 NBA season, the Boston Celtics and their fans witnessed another leap from Jayson Tatum.

After he recovered from COVID-19, the All-Star forward was driving to the rim with force and finishing at a rate nobody had ever seen from him before. With this finishing rate came an increase in free throws, which ballooned his scoring totals.

Now, after falling to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs, Tatum enters the most extended offseason of his young NBA career.

He will have plenty of time to rest after playing nearly 36 minutes per game last season and more time to polish his already well-rounded game.

Drew Hanlen has already discussed at length what he and Tatum will focus on this summer.

In an interview with the Boston Herald, Hanlen made multiple remarks regarding improving Tatum’s game inside the arc, stating:

"“When Jayson shot a high volume of free throw, he put up huge numbers. That’s the big focus-being able to get downhill more, which allows him to get to the line more, which allows him to add another dynamic to his game. That’s the focus.”"

What Hanlen and Tatum do in the summer is under their control, but it’s up to the Boston Celtics to maximize what they are working on by constructing a roster that compliments the soon-to-be fifth-year baller and to put him in a role that allows him to blossom.

Let’s take a look at 3 ways Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka can go about doing just that:

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