NBA teams were able to play over 60-plus games before the 2019-20 got suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. With that amount of action already completed, fans were pretty set on who their picks are for the league’s annual awards.

Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum is no different. The 21-year-old was on an interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report recently to talk basketball among other things, and he laid out his personal choices for Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James

“I think I would give it to LeBron [James]. They’re the #1 team, #1 seed in the West. You know, he was averaging 25 and whatever. I think he’s leading the league in assists. So, at that age especially … for him to still be as good as he is and playing at such a high level. I think I’d give it to him.”

Jayson Tatum on why LeBron’s season has been special

Though mostly ranking behind reigning MVP Giannis Antetkounmpo, who’s averaging 29.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game this season, while also powering the Milwaukee Bucks to yet another league-leading record (53-12), James has a justifiable case to be in close contention. The King has 25.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and an NBA-best 10.6 assists, and his Los Angeles Lakers are topping the Western Conference with a 49-14 slate. Considering that he’s 35 years old, it’s also impressive that he has 13 triple-doubles, which rank second-most overall.

Defensive Player of the Year: Marcus Smart

“It might sound biased, but I might give it to Marcus Smart. I feel like lately all the guys that have won have been big men, and rightfully so … I play with Smart, so I see him night in and night out and the effort he gives, and he guards 1 through 5. Any time he switches on a big man, it’s not like we gotta go double-team him. He always makes plays, and he’s been doing it for I think six or seven years now.”

Jayson Tatum talks about Marcus Smart’s defensive prowess

This comes to no surprise, and it’s also quite understandable. Tatum’s very exposed as to how intense his teammate is when it comes to defense. Fresh off a first-team All-Defense selection for the 2018-19 season, Smart continued the growing momentum this year by maintaining his place as one of the peskiest defenders in the league, something that he has established for several seasons now. He’s currently 14th in steals per game, 11th in steal percentage, and ranks inside the top 15 in deflections and loose balls recovered. He’s a key component why the Celtics are second in points allowed.

Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant

“I give it to Ja [Morant]. I love Zion [Williamson] but I don’t think anybody saw Memphis [making the playoffs] … What he’s been doing this year was special.”

Jayson Tatum on why Ja Morant is his ROY choice

The ROY hardware was a foregone conclusion by the first few weeks of the season. Ja Morant is that kid. The rookie has lifted the Memphis Grizzlies into a potential return to the postseason (assuming they lock the current seeding), and he’s showcased his massive potential while doing it. Morant leads all rookies in points, assists, and field goals made.

How about Tatum? Is he a front-runner for any award?

He definitely is. Brandon Ingram and Bam Adebayo is right there with him in the race, but there’s no denying that he’s among the leading candidates for Most Improved Player of the Year.

Tatum has increased his efficiency this season, finally living up to the expectation of becoming Boston’s newest star. He earned his first All-Star selection courtesy of being a top option in the Celtics offense, which he highlighted further thanks to a blistering February. During the month, he smoked opponents for 30.7 points per game on 49.4% shooting.

What’s also intriguing is his defensive capabilities, especially since he’ll continue to get better at it. It’s great that he vouched for his teammate to win the DPOY when he leads the team in defensive rating and defensive win shares. While it’s unlikely that he gets the nod for the award, voters may recognize his effect on both ends of the floor, and it may lead to a spot in the All-NBA team.

Tatum’s full emergence is one of factors that has helped push the Celtics into ranking third in the Eastern Conference standings (43-21).