Jayson Tatum has already won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, but the league’s Most Valuable Player award remains missing from his résumé. With Jaylen Brown no longer alongside him, the six-time All-Star believes this could be his year.

The 28-year-old is taking on a bigger role in the Celtics’ offense this season, with an opportunity to strengthen his MVP case as Boston’s primary star.

Jayson Tatum Believes He Can Win NBA MVP

Tatum has been among the league’s best players for several seasons.

In an interview posted Tuesday by “Hoop Genius” on X, the five-time All-NBA selectee was asked whether he was pursuing the MVP award following his former longtime teammate’s departure.

“You know what, it’s like, ‘Why not me?’ I’m saying. So this the year,” the 6-foot-8 forward answered.

Tatum finished fourth in MVP voting in 2023 and 2025 and sixth in 2024 and 2022. Before tearing his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs, he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists across 72 regular-season games in the 2024-25 campaign.

Those MVP finishes show that Tatum has been a serious candidate before. However, he has yet to finish among the top three in voting, despite Boston’s success during his time with the franchise.

His recovery limited him to 16 games last season, when he averaged 21.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg, and 5.3 apg. Boston still finished 56-26, with Brown leading the team during his extended absence.

The 2022 Eastern Conference Finals MVP now has more responsibility as Boston’s primary scoring option. Although the Celtics added veteran forward Paul George during the offseason, Tatum will have more opportunities to lead the offense.

Through his first three games this season, Tatum averaged 24.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 8.0 apg. His shooting was less encouraging at 40.9%, including 22.7% from 3-point range.

He followed that stretch with 40 points and the game-winning jumper in overtime Tuesday as Boston edged the Brooklyn Nets 125-124.

Maintaining that level of production over a full season won’t be easy, especially given the competition.

Victor Wembanyama entered the season as the MVP betting favorite, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić also among the leading contenders.

Gilgeous-Alexander has won the last two MVP awards, while Jokić already owns three. Both have established the level of consistency Tatum will need to match over a full season.

But the Achilles injury remains an important consideration. Tatum needs to stay healthy, improve his efficiency, and maintain his production throughout the season. Boston’s record will also matter, particularly with several established MVP candidates playing for teams expected to contend.