Where Does Celtics' Jayson Tatum Land in Current MVP Rankings?

A Deep Dive into the 2023 MVP Race

Jayson Tatum has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the NBA this season, leading the Boston Celtics to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. With his outstanding performances, Tatum has entered the MVP conversation, but where does he currently stand among the league's elite?

Tatum's MVP Case

Tatum's case for MVP is built upon his exceptional all-around play. He leads the Celtics in scoring (30.4 points per game), rebounds (8.7 rebounds per game), and assists (4.3 assists per game). Tatum's efficiency is also impressive, shooting 47.8% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. Beyond his individual statistics, Tatum has made a significant impact on the Celtics' success. He has led the team to a 37-15 record, the second-best in the NBA. Tatum's leadership and clutch play have been instrumental in the Celtics' resurgence as a championship contender.

MVP Competition

While Tatum has a strong case for MVP, he faces stiff competition from other top performers in the NBA. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is the reigning two-time MVP and has continued to dominate this season, averaging a triple-double of 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. Other strong contenders include Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. These players have all put together remarkable seasons, making the MVP race one of the most competitive in recent memory.

Tatum's Current Ranking

According to recent MVP rankings, Tatum is currently in the top three, behind Jokic and Antetokounmpo. ESPN's Kevin Pelton has Tatum ranked second, citing his all-around play and impact on the Celtics. NBA.com's John Schuhmann also has Tatum ranked second, praising his efficiency and leadership. While Tatum is not the clear favorite for MVP, he is in the conversation and has a legitimate chance to win the award. With the Celtics continuing to perform at a high level, Tatum's MVP case will only strengthen as the season progresses.