"Not chasing MVP" - Jayson Tatum doubles down on team success over personal accolades

Jayson Tatum won his first NBA championship last season but Jaylen Brown got all the individual accolades, the Larry Bird Trophy and NBA Finals MVP. Tatum's lack of minutes with Team USA prompted people to call for him to chase the league MVP title but that's not the case.

Speaking to reporters after the Boston Celtics' preseason win over the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi, Tatum acknowledged that every player has individual goals. He said winning the MVP is not his goal this season but knows he'll likely be in the conversation if Boston is playing the right way.

"Everybody should have individual goals and we're all mature enough and know what it's like to have team success. That nothing gets in the way of what we're trying to accomplish and be as special and great as we were last year and even better this year. Whether guys want to make All-Defensive teams, All-Star, be MVP, you should be able to want to go after that. That means that you're having a hell of a year," Tatum said.

The Celtics superstar added:

"Not chasing MVP, in spite of us, costing us games or anything like that, but if I'm in that conversation, that means we're one of the best teams, that means I'm playing the right way and everybody on the team is having success, and we're going in the right path."

Jayson Tatum had an amazing past few months, winning his first NBA championship and second Olympic gold medal. Tatum was also on the cover of NBA 2K25 and became a children's author.

However, fans focused on his lack of minutes with Team USA, as well as Jaylen Brown taking home the individual accolades.

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Jaylen Brown sets aside best duo title with Jayson Tatum in favor of team success

Jaylen Brown sets aside best duo title with Jayson Tatum in favor of team success. (Photo: IMAGN)

The NBA's best duo at the moment is Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown following their championship success last season. However, Brown was not about having any title like that from the media and put the focus on the Boston Celtics' overall team success.

"We understand that's what the media, they emphasize and select that, but this sport is played five-on-five. We need all of our teammates out there to contribute to help us be who we are. I think we've been able to accomplish a lot, but having great teammates as well has been able to help increase.

So the sport is played five-on-five. I know we like to highlight duos or individuals for their play, but I like to be a part of the team and uplift the team because that helps me be who I am," Brown said. [H/T NBC Sports Boston]

The Celtics open their season on Oct. 22 at the TD Garden against the New York Knicks. They are expected to hang their 18th championship banner and the players will receive their rings.