Jayson Tatum has catapulted himself in the MVP conversation with his monstrous play for the Boston Celtics this second half of the season. While the star forward knows it might be a little late for him to make a stronger push for the award, he knows he is more than capable of getting the job done next campaign.

Interestingly, Tatum let Joel Embiid know that and warned the Philadelphia 76ers superstar to win it this year since he'll have zero chance against him in 2022-23. The confidence!

Related NewsArticle continues below
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and head coach Brad Stevens direct players during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at TD Garden.
Celtics’ Brad Stevens reveals ‘amazing’ turnaround time of Jayson Tatum’s surgery
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
Ranking 3 best Jrue Holiday trade destinations if Celtics make big changes

NBA reporter Chris Mannix shared the story behind that during the NBC Sports Boston broadcast of the Celtics' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Sunday. When Tatum called his longtime trainer Drew Hanlen recently, the said trainer was apparently with Embiid at that time. The Boston All-Star then took full advantage of the opportunity to give his lighthearted jab at the Sixers center.

“Let me in part a quick story about how much it means for Jayson Tatum to be MVP. I was speaking to Drew Hanlen, Tatum’s longtime trainer, the other day. He said he was with Joel Embiid when Tatum called him and before they got off the call Tatum said to Embiid, ‘You better win the MVP this year because I’m gonna get it next year,'” Mannix said, via NESN.

If that doesn't get Celtics fans hyped, nothing will.

Jayson Tatum has been playing out of his mind in these past few months, turning things around for the Celtics after their rather poor start. They have since climbed up the Eastern Conference standings and are now in contention for the top seed.

For what it's worth, Tatum recently opened up about his MVP chances this season, which really showed how important it is for him to win the award. He noted that he would have locked the honor this season had he started the year the same way he is playing right now.

“I wish I could start the season like this. Then I’d be MVP,” Tatum said after their win over the Timberwolves.

Joel Embiid is facing tough competition from Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP, so he really needs to play his best in the next few days to ensure he'll get the recognition. If not, Tatum will make him regret it.