Where Jayson Tatum Ranks in ESPN’s NBA MVP Straw Poll
As the NBA season progresses, Jayson Tatum’s MVP candidacy is heating up amid strong competition from other stars.
Jayson Tatum, NBA, MVP, Boston Celtics, Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Boston: So, the NBA season is rolling along, and it’s time to check out who’s in the MVP race. Jayson Tatum is definitely in the mix, but he’s got some stiff competition.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps just dropped his first straw poll, and guess who’s leading? Yep, Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets. He’s been on fire, racking up points and assists like it’s nothing.
Jokic snagged 57 first-place votes, which is pretty impressive. Tatum, on the other hand, is sitting in the fourth spot. He’s putting up solid numbers, leading the Celtics with 28.3 points and 9 rebounds per game.
But here’s the thing: Tatum plays alongside some really talented teammates. That makes it tough for him to grab those standout stats that usually catch voters’ eyes.
Last time a Celtics player took home the MVP was Larry Bird back in the ’80s. Tatum’s got the talent to win it someday, but right now, the Celtics are all about chasing championships.
They did great last season, and you can bet they’re hungry to do it again this year. Winning is what matters most for Tatum and the team.