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: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum must further elevate his play

As I already mentioned, for a player to take home an MVP award, they have to play at an exceptional level. For the most part, Jayson Tatum does that. However, there are things he can do to take his game to an even higher level.

The first thing that really sticks out is his finishing. At the beginning of last season all of the talk surrounding the three-time all star was about the muscle he had put on. Despite his new guns, Tatum really struggle around the rim early on. It seemed as if contact was bothering him and he was looking for foul calls too often.

There was a stretch when something clicked for Taco Jay and his layups started to fall more consistently. He looked more comfortable inside and more focused on the game he was playing rather than the one that the officials were calling.

Last month, Tatum told Taylor Rooks that he picked up an injury during Boston’s surge in the playoffs last spring. Looking back on it, it was clear that something was bugging him as he struggled around the rim.

Over the last season or two, JT has made an effort to improve his playmaking ability, another tool that will be important to his MVP campaign. Tatum’s ability to set up his teammates and to make them better will absolutely earn him the approval of voters this season.

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