While on the Jimmy Fallon show, Jayson Tatum took a minute before projecting a major honor for himself. “Can I say myself?”, he said, while shrugging when asked who would be the NBA’s MVP next season. As the cornerstone of the Celtics, if the franchise does find identical success as they did last season, Tatum should be sitting in the hunt comfortably. But even with all that said, Kendrick Perkins, a former Shamrock believes the man to overthrow him will be Anthony Edwards.

The charismatic Timberwolves star had a career season last year. The bubbling guard came a step short of being an NBA Finalist. His regular season showcase was nothing short of fascinating with his highlight dunks and momentous plays. Perk has always been an avid fan of his. And he believes not just MVP, but Edwards will pick up the pace as a predatory scorer as well.

“The young man that actually took his team to the Western Conference Finals. The young man that knocked out the defending champs out of the postseason, His name Anthony Edwards… He wants to win. But this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if he leads the league in scoring, to be honest with you. He’s not waiting on anyone,” the former Celtic center said on ESPN’s NBA Today.

Having been to the Olympics and played a significant part in the process, Ant-Man has picked up some new tricks. He understands winning doesn’t match with playing ‘hero ball’ but rather deferring at the right times. It’s more about getting everyone involved, a lesson he reiterated while at the New York Fanatics Fest.

In comparison to Tatum though, Edwards could have a greater chance. The Wolves don’t necessarily have a scorching scorer like Edwards apart from the exception of Karl-Anthony Towns. Judging from the consistency and his sheer will to be the anchor, Anthony Edwards might display immense evolution in his game.

However, as ironic as Tatum being the underdog as the ace of the best NBA team is, he might very well shock the basketball world. Remember, this year he has more to prove than just the Celtics’ viability.

Jayson Tatum could beat out Anthony Edwards and others in the MVP race

It’s a far cry to claim Jayson Tatum will be the MVP. However, to dismiss the possibility at all might be worse. Despite a high-powered team around him last season, JT was feasting. He averaged 26.9 points per game and had the most win shares on the team at 10.4. It was the tenth-best mark in the NBA.

Furthermore, while having the craving to be back-to-back champion, Tatum is also on a mission to avenge his image. The playoffs and the Paris Olympics in particular tainted his glorified career. His achievements were pushed under the rug simply due to a few worrisome months.

All of that is surely stored in him. From his development every season and his decisiveness in the Celtics lineup, Jayson Tatum could be even more ferocious in the regular season than he was last year. His motivations aren’t just deeply rooted, but also personal. And he has a system of Joe Mazzulla that dominated the NBA last season.

Their roster hasn’t shifted nor has their standing as the NBA’s kingpins. Jayson Tatum has all to play for too. With the culmination of events that preceded the season, a statement-making season is around the corner. Do you think he has a greater chance to win MVP than Anthony Edwards? Let us know your views in the comments below.