Boston 01/19/2023 Boston Celtics vs Warriors-Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) signals his three point basket in overtime to put the Celtics ahead, 118-111. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff (sports)
When Perkins caught up with writer Chris Forsberg recently, he inquired about Tatum’s current standing on his MVP ballot.
“Oh, I see. I’m voting for Jayson Tatum,” Perkins informed Forsberg. “The best player with the best record would be my choice if the season ended tonight. That’s what he’s doing. People are unaware of the costs Tatum had to bear. He currently averages about 27 points and 8 and a half rebounds each game. That is a monstrosity. In addition, he’s shooting 55 percent or almost that in terms of 2-point field goals made.
“Look, if the Celtics, as I think they will, end up with the best record in the league and the number one seed overall. I’m voting for Tatum.”
Tatum had the seventh-best NBA MVP betting odds as of Friday night, at +5000 (Fanatics Sportsbook). He is behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), Nikola Jokic Dalla(s Mavericks), and Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks).
Tatum will surely go up the charts if he keeps up his current rate and the Celtics win all 27 of their games to maintain their position as the best team in the NBA. For the previous two seasons, he came in sixth and fourth in the MVP voting.
Tatum’s immediate priorities are to participate in his fifth All-Star Game on Sunday. In his third All-Star game, C’s teammate Jaylen Brown will start for the Eastern Conference while he comes off the bench.
