Kevin Durant on Jayson Tatum's Ascension: 'Passing of the Guard'

From playoff battles to offseason workouts, Kevin Durant has closely witnessed Jayson Tatum evolve into a player with a chance to be one of the preeminent faces of the NBA.

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When Jayson Tatum spoke about his MVP candidacy at All-Star weekend, it was evident he understood how the sacrifices he's making as a scorer are hurting his case for that award but helping his championship aspirations and establishing himself as one of the preeminent faces of the NBA.

He doesn't need to win a title to cement himself as an undeniable part of that group. But even that elite class is tiered, and to reach the heights the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant ascended to, the two-time All-NBA First Team selection needs to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

So, while Tatum won't take home his first MVP this year, he's averaging 27 points, 8.4 rebounds, a career-high 4.9 assists, and swiping a steal per game. He's also seventh in defensive win shares and not just willing, but at times, he's insisting on guarding the opposition's best perimeter player.

His all-around impact and steadfast commitment to making the right play, regardless of what that calls for, has helped stake the Boston Celtics to a 51-14 record, six games better than the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, who, at 45-20, are tied for the second-best mark in the Association.

Ahead of Thursday's matchup between the Celtics and Phoenix Suns at TD Garden, Durant, a former league MVP, shared his thoughts on Tatum's case for the award.

"His consistency all year," noted the four-time scoring champion via Duane Rankin of AZ Central. "(He's) putting up a high number of points. Stats matter when it comes to MVP. His team is winning games, most importantly, by a landslide...The record factors into (it) too. He's had MVP-caliber seasons the last few years, too. It's a matter of your narrative."

The ten-time All-NBA selection and future Basketball Hall of Famer also discussed the passing of the torch as Tatum, who turned 26 in March, enters his prime.

"I've been in this league a long time now, and I know when it's a passing of the guard," stated Durant. "I know when the young dudes are going to come in and do the same thing the older guys are doing. He's one of those guys I feel like is gonna control the league for the next 10-12 years and be a staple in our game and history of our game."

Further Reading

Celtics Cap Road Trip by Making Franchise History in Win vs. Jazz

'Always Ready': Celtics Second Unit Shines in Portland

Jayson Tatum Plays Entire Second Half vs. Suns: 'Don't Really Say That Many Times'

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

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'