Thanks in large part to Jayson Tatum’s MVP-caliber season, the Boston Celtics have surged out to the best record in the NBA this year. Tatum, though, hasn’t received the same attention for the honour as other players, which is surprising. In any event, voters will undoubtedly need to consider their options carefully before casting a ballot. Meanwhile, Tatum received a hearty recommendation from his new Celtics teammate, Xavier Tillman, who recently appeared on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast, which is hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.

“I thought at first he was just a scorer until I realized his defensive, passing and rebounding ability,” Xavier Tillman said. “If you leave him, he’s going to the cup and finishing and getting fouled. Or if you double him when he’s driving, he’s got this sick around the back he’s mastered. I didn’t have the respect for his passing ability before I got here, you don’t see the passing in the highlight reel you just see the scoring.”

Tillman also described how Tatum plays on both ends of the court, saying: “We went to New York and he had a couple chances to guard Jalen Brunson and he was locking him up. . .he definitely needs to be in that discussion, not to mention we’re No. 1 in the league.”

With an average of 27.0 points per game, 8.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steals this season, Jayson Tatum has been the Celtics’ MVP. He also shoots 47.5 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from three-point range, and 82.3 percent from the free-throw line.