The sixth year was the biggest leap forward for Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who quickly became an MVP candidate after just over a quarter of a season played.
Tatum has only played 22 games so far but has already put together a convincing campaign. The 24-year-old veteran is averaging a career-best 31.6 points with 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, which have the odds takers on Tatum’s side – putting his odds at +250, best of the NBA, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Joining the bettors is Paul Pierce, who spent 15 seasons with the Celtics and earned MVP honors in the 2008 NBA Finals. Pierce joined former Celtic and Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, for an episode of SHOWTIME Basketball’s “KG Certified.”
“I said that” Pierce told Garnett. “And I think after the playoffs last year, he passed Kevin Durant – when it comes to a best player in the NBA today. I said that last year. I take Tatum on KD after last year’s playoffs…. I think him going up against Kevin Durant was like a passing of the torch.
During that first round of the playoffs that Pierce referenced, Tatum absolutely took over. During the brief four-game battle, Tatum averaged 29.5 points per game with 7.3 assists while shooting 44.5% from the field and 41.9% from off the field. ‘bow. Meanwhile, Durant failed to elevate his game like we’ve seen on previous occasions, resulting in the lowest points-per-game average (26.3) the star striker has. managed to average since making his playoff debut in 2010 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nonetheless, Pierce didn’t fail to acknowledge the legacy that Durant has already cemented.
“I’m not taking anything away from KD,” Pierce said. “KD is still one of the greatest to ever play and he’s still one of the best in the game. I just think Tatum – today – just passed KD.
