Jayson Tatum Eying Individual Accolade Greater Than MVP

Jayson Tatum understands that what comes with winning a championship brings a distinction more meaningful than an MVP Award.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Before turning 26, Jayson Tatum is a two-time All-NBA First Team selection and a five-time All-Star, who has started in the league's marquee exhibition event four straight years. That includes scoring an All-Star Game record 55 points last season en route to winning the contest's MVP Award.

There's also been a considerable amount of team success along the way. The former Duke Blue Devil has led the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in four of his first six years in the Association. He earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors in 2022, a campaign that came within two wins of raising Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters.

Tatum's steadfast commitment to making the right play over and over again, no matter what's asked of him, and his willingness to sacrifice without hesitation reflects his singular focus is Boston's championship chase.

The St. Louis, Missouri native would love to add the regular season MVP award to his trophy case, of course, an understood reality he touched on while addressing the narrative around his candidacy for that distinction.

But during his media availability on Saturday at All-Star weekend, the six-year veteran also got asked about a more meaningful recognition that he made clear he has his eyes on.

"I think the league is in a great place right now, the amount of high-character guys, the amount of talent throughout the NBA," Tatum started when asked about a changing of the guard as LeBron James nears retirement. 

"The fact that LeBron, and KD (Kevin Durant), and Steph (Stephen Curry) are still considered one of the best ten players in the league right now at their age and how long they've been playing is incredible," he continued. 

"As well as all the younger guys, whether it's guys my age or the guys a little bit older, with the (Nikola) Jokic's and Giannis Antetokounmpo, or guys younger than me. 

"So, I think the league is in a great place. When LeBron retires, the face of the league, that's tough. But we win a championship (then), I've got something to say about it; I know that."

Most NBA stars don't win a title before 27. Tatum, who turns 26 in March, propelling the Celtics, who sit atop the NBA standings, boasting a 43-12 record, and have the league's most talented top six, to the NBA's summit elevates his legacy more than winning MVP would and changes the question surrounding his career from 'Can he win a championship?' to 'How many will he accumulate before retiring?'

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum Addresses Discourse Around His MVP Candidacy

Jaylen Brown Doesn't Win Dunk Contest but Delivers Most Poignant Moment

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'