Kendrick Perkins dubs Jayson Tatum ‘selfish’ for Celtics star’s MVP pursuit: “Not being negative”

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins called Jayson Tatum selfish after the Celtics’ star claimed he wants win the NBA championship and also the MVP title. Tatum won the NBA ring with Boston Celtics in the previous season after they defeated Dallas Mavericks by 4-1 in the finals.

However, Tatum could not win the MVP as Denver Nuggets talisman Nikola Jokic clinched the prestigious title for his consistent performance.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum has played at an MVP level for years now, but still doesn’t have an award in his CV. He finished 12th in MVP voting in 2019-20, sixth in MVP voting in 2021-22, fourth in 2022-23, and sixth in 2023-24.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Jayson Tatum said, “Winning takes precedence over everything. Winning a championship is most important. Playing the right way. But it’s been done. It’s possible. You can play the right way and dominate the game, you can strive for a championship, and be an MVP of the league. So, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. You can do both.”

However, Kendrick Perkins reckons Tatum is being selfish as he is focusing on personal accolades ahead of the team.

“It’s simple. Selfish. Selfish, he’s selfish. I’m not being negative right now, but seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. I have no problem with a player being somewhat selfish and wanting to accomplish things on an individual basis.”

Meanwhile, Tatum played in four of USA’s six games in Paris and received a limited role by head coach Steve Kerr. He didn’t play in the semifinal clash against Serbia, which the USA won by 95-91 while bouncing back in the fourth quarter. 

Tatum came off the bench in the first quarter in the gold medal match against France on Saturday and played for 11 minutes. The 26-year-old scored two points and three rebounds in his short appearance.