5 reasons why Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum can win NBA MVP this season

#3 The isolation stepback

After a rookie season that saw Jayson Tatum hit 43% of shots behind the arc, his three-point shooting dropped to 37% his second year. The side-step and step-back three off isolation became a weapon of choice to separate the defender from Jayson Tatum. It took a while to perfect from behind the line, as Jayson Tatum was using the shots from two-point range in high school and college. Off isolation, Jayson Tatum is a difficult cover and has the ability to hit difficult threes no matter who is guarding him. These are the shots, those difficult shots that will appear on highlight reels, that will keep Tatum on fan and media lips to put himself in position to win MVP.

The Boston Celtics have to win and win a lot for Jayson Tatum to receive enough attention for any postseason honor. That he's playing for the Boston Celtics' legendary franchise will also give him enough shine to be in contention, yet it was a former Los Angeles Lakers legend who has helped refine his game.

#2 Jayson Tatum working out with Kobe Bryant in 2018

From above:

"I literally sat there and watched it 20 times in a row. He (Kobe Bryant) did a Detail of me in Game 1, and then I guess he went through my agent and texted me. He said, "young fella, happy for your success. Stay focused. Keep going. If you're in L. A. this summer and you want to work out, just let me know."

Jayson Tatum was shocked. Kobe has always been Jayson Tatum's favorite player, so to have the late Kobe Bryant - one of the most technically sound athletes sports has seen - extend the offer to work out? Jayson Tatum says it was the 2nd best day of his life (next to his son being born). The result of that July 2018 workout is a player who has become an absolute scoring threat: 26 points per game this season, and as he perfects what Kobe Bryant exposed him to three years ago, Jayson Tatum is poised for the moment as if there is no moment; the game comes to him, and after shot selection being a challenge early on, his choices in shots seem to be right on point. One of the prettiest shots in the NBA is Jayson Tatum's side-step three because it seems to rarely touch the net.

#1 Jayson Tatum is leader of the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have won 17 NBA titles, and the names of Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Sam Jones, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett - among others - ring out when the Boston Celtics are mentioned. Jayson Tatum is that next guy. He's already a two-time NBA All-Star at 23, and as I mentioned earlier, plays for one of the most storied NBA franchises with a large fan and media following. His Boston Celtics will be on TV similar to other NBA contenders, so the ooh and ahh of his game will also be showcased for fans not living in New England. Fans will then talk about his performances like they did in his 50 and 60 point games. The Boston Celtics have made many changes this offseason, and the next step is to win the Boston Celtics' 18th NBA title. For that to happen, Jayson Tatum has to have the best year of his NBA career. If he does that, and the Celtics win in a crowded Eastern Conference with many MVP candidates, Jayson Tatum will be right there with anyone deserving of the award.