“Jayson Tatum is a superstar in this league and he plays like one": Stephen A. Smith lauds Boston Celtics’ ‘special’ superstar
Jayson Tatum has heard the noise loud and clear about his disappointing performance in last year's NBA Finals. That noise has seen Tatum take his game to another level for the 2022-23 season.
Heading into Wednesday night's games, the Boston Celtics continue to look like one of the top teams in the league. The Celtics find themselves at 17-4 this season and are in the midst of a four-game winning streak. They will look to make it five in a row Wednesday night against the Miami Heat.
Throughout his career, Jayson Tatum has looked to have the tools to become a superstar in the NBA. After averaging 26.9 points per game last season, Tatum has taken his game to another platform. He's currently averaging 30.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 48.1% from the field.
It's gotten the attention of ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. Appearing on "First Take," Smith went on to praise Jayson Tatum. Smith said that he should be in the conversation for MVP.
"This brother is special. And he is putting on a show and trying to make amends for his struggling performance in the NBA Finals. But Jayson Tatum is a superstar in this league and he plays like one."
.@stephenasmith is putting Jayson Tatum in the MVP conversation 👀
"This brother is special. ... Jayson Tatum is a superstar in this league and he plays like one." https://t.co/4gWboW8VoW
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on a roll in the 2022-23 season
After a disappointing performance in the 2022 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics have come out firing to start the 2022-23 season. Boston has won 14 of their last 15 games. It's resulted in the Celtics having the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings by two games.
Tatum's play has made the Celtics one of the most dangerous teams in the league. In his last five games, Tatum has gone on to average 29.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 48.1% from the field.
Jayson Tatum putting on a show. 🔥
https://t.co/ZKMM7TR1Yj
Tatum and the Celtics have become one of the top contenders in the league. Because of that, it shouldn't be long before the superstar forward hears his name in MVP conversations. Boston is set to face the Miami Heat in a pair of games before an extended road trip.
During that road trip, the Celtics will take on challenging opponents such as the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors. If the Celtics can continue to play at this type of level, it will send the message to the rest of the league. Tatum is hoping that he can be the focal point of that message, as he looks to avenge last year's NBA Finals loss.