Celtics superstar forward is now projected frontrunner for MVP award | Sporting News

Boston Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum has become the projected frontrunner for the MVP award, per Basketball Reference .

This comes after the incumbent MVP, Nikola Jokic, missed the past three games, giving Tatum chances to bridge the gap, which he did.

According to Basketball Reference, Tatum is in the lead with a 33.6% probability, with LA Lakers big man Anthony Davis in second with a 22.4% probability, and OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in third, with a 15% chance.

This season, Tatum is averaging 30 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and a steal per game on 46% shooting from the field, and 40% from deep.

This past game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tatum led the Celtics to victory over the previously undefeated team, dropping 33 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and six threes.

Tatum has received a lot of criticism in the past year, and he is ready to prove the critics wrong, as shown through his play.

If he can lead the Celtics to the first back to back championships in seven years, he should definitely be considered for MVP.

With Nikola Jokic missing the past 3 games, Jayson Tatum is now the MVP front runner (via @bball_ref ) pic.twitter.com/18AGQs70NQ MORE CELTICS CONTENT: Celtics superstar said he asked to be traded after team signed Gordon Hayward in 2017 Celtics sixth man is solidifying his case for Sixth Man of the Year through first seven games NBA media CEO sides with Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown over ongoing beef with Nike Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla suggests wild NHL-style rule changes for the NBA Celtics are targeting a December return for star center Kristaps Porzingis.

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