3 things Jayson Tatum must do to contest for the NBA MVP Award in the 2021-22 season

#2 Jayson Tatum must put his stamp on defense

Jayson Tatum trying to put the clamps on Kevin Durant.

Jayson Tatum has the physical tools to be a very solid defender. He has the length to contest shots inside and is very mobile to stifle guards on the perimeter. Based on FiveThirtyEight’s handy RAPTOR NBA player ratings, JT sits just below the average line as a defensive player.

Top-tier talents that are of the same frame and physical stature as Jayson Tatum have a positive impact on defense. A little more effort and attention to detail could nudge him over the average line and make him approximate the likes of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.

Being the best player on both ends for the Boston Celtics can only bolster his case as the best in the NBA.

#1 Tatum needs to become a vocal leader

Jayson Tatum talks to Jaylen Brown during a lull in an NBA game.

There are no metrics that can quantify the impact and effect of being an effective and good leader. Being a little more vocal as a leader of the Boston Celtics is something Ime Udoka wants from Tatum in his introductory press conference as head coach of the franchise.

The talented Boston Celtics forward declared how he rolls as a leader when pressed after the playoff loss to the Nets.

He could be a Tim Duncan type of anchor. One thing that he must do is coax more out of his teammates. It is what leaders do. Getting more out of the team could result in more Ws for the Celtics. After Marcus Smart and probably Al Horford, Tatum would be the natural Celtic that players will look up to.

The Boston Celtics will face an uphill battle to survive the loaded Eastern playoffs. If Jayson Tatum can lead by example and be a bit more communicative, the Cs could make a statement as a true contender. A good leader on a playoff-bound team never fails to get noticed when the MVP voting happens.

If he can take these aspects of his game to new heights, then the sky is the limit for Jayson Tatum. The 2021-22 NBA MVP trophy could be his after the season ends.