Jayson Tatum is not just a system player; he is the system. Yes, that statement might sound James Harden-esque, but it’s true. The best system in the league is built around him. The Boston Celtics are the defending champions and the odds-on favorites to repeat, yet Tatum remains undervalued and underrated.
Jayson Tatum Is The NBA’s Best System Yet Still Undervalued
Tatum’s Historic Performance Proves His Greatness
On Saturday, Tatum delivered a historic performance against the Chicago Bulls, further cementing his status as the Celtics’ cornerstone. Tatum recorded 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first Celtic to log such a stat line. He also joined Larry Bird as the only Celtics to record a 40-point triple-double. Bird accomplished this feat three times, highlighting the rarity of Tatum’s achievement.
Tatum was unstoppable, shooting 16-for-24 from the field and hitting nine of his 15 three-point attempts. His performance marked his fourth career triple-double, adding to his playoff heroics against the Miami Heat last April. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Tatum for his ability to dominate without disrupting the team’s flow.
“I think any time you see a guy play like that, you’re just kind of fascinated by it, but I feel like he did it within the flow of the game,” Mazzulla said. “I don’t think he went outside of what we normally do, and that’s a testament to him.”
The NBA’s Best System is Built Around Jayson Tatum
The Celtics have built a system around Tatum that consistently delivers elite results. Yet despite being the most talented player on the most talented team in years, Tatum remains undervalued in the MVP conversation.
His averages this season—28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 60.6% true shooting—speak volumes about his impact. These numbers showcase his ability to score efficiently, rebound effectively, and facilitate offense at a high level. His dominance, however, has not translated into recognition in the MVP race. Mazzulla believes Tatum’s consistent greatness might work against him.
“I still think he gets taken for granted,” Mazzulla said. “Because he’s done it for a long time, it comes relatively easy for him, and we’re in Boston, so that’s the expectation.”
Undervalued in the MVP Race
The ESPN MVP straw poll highlights the glaring undervaluation of Tatum. Through one-third of the season, he ranks fourth, far behind Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Tatum has three fewer votes than Giannis (95 to 98), his total points in the poll lag significantly, with just 267 compared to Giannis’ 643.
This gap underscores the challenges Tatum faces in gaining recognition. Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Antetokounmpo have received 82.6% of the total vote, leaving little room for other contenders. Even Antetokounmpo’s NBA Cup final performance shifted votes away from Tatum, further highlighting the narrow margins in the MVP race.
The Case for More Recognition
Tatum’s value to the Celtics cannot be overstated. His ability to excel on both ends of the court makes him indispensable. Despite this, the MVP conversation seems to overlook his contributions. His complete game—scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—mirrors the dominance of past MVP winners.
Tatum’s greatness lies in his consistency and willingness to adapt. His 43-point triple-double against the Bulls showcased his ability to dominate without sacrificing team play. In fact, his dominance leads to the Celtics playing their best basketball.
Mazzulla emphasized this point, saying, “I thought he kind of controlled the entire game with his poise and decision-making, and took what the defense gave him.”
Yet, Tatum’s brilliance remains underappreciated. His presence enables the Celtics to function as the league’s best system. While other stars receive more MVP buzz, Tatum continues to deliver performances that elevate his team and rewrite Celtics’ history.
Conclusion
Tatum is the NBA’s best player on the best team and one of its most complete stars. His historic performances, leadership, and consistency make him invaluable to the Celtics. Yet the MVP race and straw poll results show how his greatness is taken for granted. As the season progresses, Tatum’s case for MVP should gain traction. His numbers, impact, and ability to elevate the Celtics demand recognition.
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