For the second consecutive season, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is once again being discussed as a top contender for the MVP title as the All-Star break approaches.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed his backing for Tatum during Thursday’s “First Take,” and his colleague Kendrick Perkins echoed similar sentiments in an interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.
Perkins stated, “I’m throwing my support behind Jayson Tatum. If the season ended today… and this is my standard, the standout player with the best team record. Tatum fits that bill. People underestimate the sacrifices he’s made.”
He went on to elaborate, highlighting Tatum’s impressive stats: “Currently, he’s averaging around 27 points per game, along with eight and a half rebounds. That’s outstanding. Plus, he’s shooting close to 55 percent from two-point range.”
With the Celtics leading the league with a record of 43-12, holding a six-game advantage over the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Eastern Conference’s top spot, Perkins emphasized the significance of Tatum’s role: “If the Celtics maintain their position as the top seed overall, which I believe they will, Tatum has my endorsement.”
Perkins, a former NBA champion in 2008, acknowledged the complexities of his relationship with Celtics fans in recent times and made a heartfelt plea: “To all the Boston fans out there, I have immense love for you. Please, let’s put the trolling aside. You know where my loyalty lies. Much love to you all.”