Updated NBA MVP ladder: What are odds for Sixers’ Joel Embiid?

Jayson Tatum has officially arrived. He gets the classic “best player, best team” vote — which is why a lot of MVP rankings currently have him in the No. 1 spot. Slotting him at No. 4 might be considered slightly controversial, but it’s not meant as criticism. There’s simply a high volume of elite talent in the NBA right now. Tatum at No. 4, and even Embiid at No. 5, is a result of splitting hairs — not a sweeping referendum on them as players.

In a strange way, team success might be a symptom of what holds Tatum back in my mind. The Celtics would not be half as unstoppable without Tatum — no one would deny that — but part of what makes Boston special is the collective. The Celtics beat teams with depth, versatility, and connectivity. No team is better constructed, top to bottom, with players who fit and understand each other. Tatum is the head of the snake, but the rest of the snake is pretty damn impressive too.

That said, the numbers back up Tatum’s case. If the season ended today and he won the award, it would be wholly justified, wholly deserved. He’s averaging career highs in points (30.2) and rebounds (8.2), putting the final layer of polish on his beautiful scoring arsenal and playing lockdown defense on the wing. The Celtics have the best offense in the NBA, and Tatum’s ability to collapse the defense is often what sets it in motion.

He plays both sides of the ball, has the most W’s of any MVP candidate, and will have no shortage of national TV eyeballs on him all season thanks to Boston’s elevated position in the association. Expect Tatum to maintain momentum all season.