Why the Celtics Wouldn’t Consider Jayson Tatum an MVP Candidate

On the latest episode of Celtics Beat, Adam Kaufman and Even Valenti were joined by Steve Bulpett of Heavy Sports. They discussed how Jayson Tatum has improved his ability to attack the basket and Bulpett says that element of his game is huge. He’s quicker and stronger when he attacks the basket and that has taken his game to another level. The guys also discussed how Tatum’s shooting numbers are down slightly since last year and that he likely isn’t an MVP candidate but that isn’t a bad thing. He has more pieces around him and the focus from the team, the media and the fans seems to be more about winning as opposed to individual accolades than it has been in previous years.

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NBA Insiders Suggest Potential Celtics Trade Targets

The Celtics have their first-round picks from 2024-2027 and three second-round selections in the upcoming draft to help facilitate a deal.

The NBA recently reached a notable date on its calendar. On Dec. 15, 81 players became trade eligible, bringing the total amount who fit that description to 88 percent of the Association.

Deals this month are uncommon, and none have happened in the last two seasons, but it’s a time when the groundwork gets laid for future trades.

On the most recent episode of The Lowe Post podcast, host and ESPN NBA analyst Zach Lowe welcomed colleague Tim Bontemps. The two agreed this is the best Boston Celtics team of the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era.

Boston’s 21-6 and share the NBA’s best record with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The former and the Philadelphia 76ers are the only teams ranked in the top five in offensive and defensive rating. The latter has the highest net rating (11.5). The Celtics are second in that category (9.1).

The consensus is they have the best top six in the NBA. Beyond that, Sam Hauser has solidified the seventh spot in the rotation, developing into a two-way wing. And Payton Pritchard is producing 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. He’s drilling an average of 39.4 percent of the four threes he’s hoisting, and his growth operating the pick-and-roll is evident.

But with Boston over the second apron and all in on capturing its 18th championship, there have been reports noting an expectation the franchise is active in the trade and buyout markets.

While discussing what type of player the Celtics should target, Lowe and Bontemps identified a wing they believe the team’s president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, should pursue.

One is an individual Boston’s already connected to, John Konchar of the Memphis Grizzlies. The four-year veteran isn’t a rotation fixture, and his minutes fluctuate. They’ve decreased from 20.8 in the 2022-23 campaign to 18 this season.