Boston Celtics: 3 things that need to happen for Jayson Tatum to win MVP

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum needs the other Boston Celtics to step up

As funny as it may sound, for a player to win MVP, he is not the only person that needs to play well. The rest of his teammates need to play well too. Not so much because of the actual play, but because of the team’s record.

A lot of voters see team success as something that should determine which player takes home the MVP award. Since the league expanded its schedule to 82 games in the 1967-68 season, only seven players have taken home the award when their team won less than 50 games. That number excludes seasons where the NBA had a lockout or shortened season.

If this upcoming season truly is Jayson Tatum’s year, then the Boston Celtics cannot underachieve. They are a team that has high expectations after a busy summer. Boston brought in veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon to boost their bench at basically no cost. The Celtics sent Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, and a 2023 first-round pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the former Rookie of the Year.

The Cs are coming into the season as title favorites. They have +500 odds to take home Banner 18 in 2023. With the amount of hype behind the Green this season, the team can’t afford to underachieve if Tatum wants to win MVP.

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