NBA MVP Ladder Week 23: Injuries clouding the picture

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 30, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

DENVER, CO – MARCH 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado, NBA MVP Ladder Week 23: Injuries clouding the picture. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA MVP Ladder: 5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Rank last week: 4

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 27.0/8.2/4.3/1.0/0.6

FG%/3P%/FT%: 44.7/35.0/85.8

Off EPM / Def EPM: +4.3/+1.3

Smart people are beginning to pick the Celtics to win the East. 538 even has them listed as the favorite to win the NBA championship (a whopping 28% chance!).

The trade for Derrick White was a win, adding much-needed guard depth and further bolstering a league-best defense. Improved coaching from Ime Udoka and Robert Williams’ emergence have also contributed to Boston’s success.

But the driving force behind the Celtics has been Jayson Tatum’s explosion.

Tatum has been averaging 28/8/5 since January 1st. He’s shooting fewer mid-ranges and more from deep and at the rim. His passing is better than it’s ever been, by far, and he’s doing a better job of balancing his scoring instincts with his developing playmaking ability.

Tatum can’t crack the top three of this MVP race, but he’s peaking at the right time for his team, and championships tend to salve all wounds.