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Can Jayson Tatum win the 2025 MVP award?

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Jayson Tatum is heading into the new NBA season with a point to prove. The Boston Celtics star endured a difficult summer with Team USA, including being benched for two games against Serbia. As such, it’s fair to expect a dominant season from the St. Louis native, who will undoubtedly have his sights set on defending Boston’s NBA championship.

In recent years, Tatum has become an all-around talent. His style of play impacts games on multiple levels, making him one of the toughest covers in the league. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, that diverse skill set could help Tatum finally secure an MVP award.

“Tatum will never have the best counting numbers of the candidate—his situation and skillset wouldn’t support that—but if can maintain his volume (26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists this past season) while nudging his efficiency just a smidge (47.1/37.6/83.3), he could have a realistic shot at MVP,” Buckely wrote. “If his numbers are within striking distance of the other top candidates while his team success puts theirs to shame, he could sway enough voters to his side to take home the hardware.”

The Celtics are widely expected to be the best team in the league again. They have retained all of their championship core outside of Oshae Brissett. That type of continuity, when coupled with high-end talent and elite depth, should ensure Tatum is leading the line for the most dangerous team in the world.

As such, Tatum should have a realistic shot at winning his first MVP award while also contending for his second NBA championship and fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team selection. It could be a big year for number zero.