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Jayson Tatum accepts MVP race may be out of reach

adamtaylornba
·2 min read
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Jayson Tatum is an MVP-level talent. The Boston Celtics forward is one of the best players in the NBA and is the best player on arguably the most talented roster in the league. However, that same roster has all but ended Tatum’s chances of earning the MVP award this season, as he and the rest of his teammates are putting team success ahead of individual accolades.

During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Tatum noted that everybody on the Celtics roster is doing a little less so that everybody has an opportunity to shine. Sacrifice has been a common buzzword among the roster during post-game interviews all season.

“It’s a little tougher with the team that we have,” Tatum said. “Nobody has taken a step back, but in terms of our numbers we have so much talent on our team, and we share the wealth. Nobody’s averaging what they were probably averaging last year. We’re all probably a couple points down. But we’re all playing great basketball. MVP might be tough just with the dynamic of our team. But we’re trying to play for a championship, so that’s what I’m thinking about.”

The upside of Boston’s diverse and talented roster is that Tatum has had opportunities to showcase different aspects of his game.

He’s flourishing as a passer. He’s attacking out of the post more. And in Boston’s win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday (Jan. 22) he thrived when attacking the paint.

So, while winning an MVP may be out of the question,

Tatum has the chance to lead a team back to the NBA Finals and potentially to their first banner since 2008. That would undoubtedly mean more to him and his legacy and would cement him as one of the Celtics’ greatest-ever players.

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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire