With playoffs around the corner and the MVP race heating up, all eyes are on the league’s elite as they battle it out for the coveted “MVP” title. Among the contenders, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum emerges as a front-runner, which sparked a debate amongst the top analysts at ESPN.

In a recent ESPN interview with Malika Andrews, Tatum confidently declared himself the “best player” in the NBA right now. This bold statement was in contrast to his previous response to the same question last year when he said “Giannis“. After the ghastly error that led to a loss in the NBA finals to the Golden State Warriors in 2022, Tatum comes prepared this time around. His confident statement has drawn attention and fired up discussions amongst the analysts back at the ESPN headquarters.

While Michael Wilbon wasn’t the most agreeable, Stephen A. Smith, a vocal supporter of Tatum, firmly backed his claim. Highlighting the Celtics’ dominant record and Tatum’s impressive 27 points-per-game average, Smith argued, “The Boston Celtics are the best team in basketball. They have the best record in basketball. They have a $304 million player on their squad and a 7ft free shooter and shot-blocker and neither one of them is the best player on that team, he (Jayson Tatum) is. Averaging 27 a game… You know he’s a top target. You know that the eye of the storm is coming at him every night; and night in and night out, he has answered the call.”

Smith went further, referencing Tatum’s struggles in 2022, stating, “I’m happy he said what he said because a couple of years ago in the finals, he wasn’t the first, he wasn’t the best player on the team, he wasn’t the second best on the court. Jaylen Brown was better than just like Steph Curry was better than him. Jayson Tatum knows that. And the person that sat down for that great interview that you did that man was looking you in your face and he was saying subliminally “Yo I know I didn’t do what I was supposed to do two years ago, I’m coming to do it this time” That’s why you gotta love what he said!”

Michael Wilbon, however, remained unconvinced, pushing for alternatives such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Smith’s response to that? “My argument against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Jayson Tatum,” said Stephen A Smith passionately.

Watch the throne, the MVP throne

Tatum’s claim isn’t just fueled by mere confidence, it’s backed by numbers. He currently leads the Celtics in scoring, averaging 27.1 points per game on 45.8% shooting. He’s also contributing 8.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Looking beyond individual stats, the Celtics themselves are a force to be reckoned with. They currently hold the league’s best record and the easiest remaining schedule, putting them on track for a potential 65-win season, an achievement conquered last by the 2018 Houston Rockets.

Read More: Jayson Tatum Laments Stephen Curry Match-Up Aftereffects Overshadowing MVP Season

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With the first-half of the season behind us, the NBA climax is upon us with the second-half carrying the promise of action-packed showdowns and contenders fighting for the Championship ring and the MVP title. Does Stephen A. Smith have it right? Is Jayson Tatum truly the front-runner, or will another contender emerge? Comment your thoughts below.