Cooper Flagg Turns Heads With Jayson Tatum Message After NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg Turns Heads With Jayson Tatum Message After NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Cooper Flagg entered the 2025 NBA Draft with enormous expectations after a dominant freshman season at Duke. The 18-year-old forward had long been projected as the No. 1 overall pick, and on draft night, the Dallas Mavericks made it official.
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Flagg's maturity was on display throughout the night. In interviews and appearances, he projected calm confidence and spoke openly about his readiness for the NBA stage. Scouts and executives have praised his poise, high basketball IQ, and leadership qualities—traits that stood out throughout his lone college season.
During an interview with SportsCenter's Scott Van Pelt, Flagg was asked about the player he looks forward to facing in the NBA.
"That's a good question. Maybe Jayson Tatum," Flagg said. "That's somebody that I watched a lot at Duke and watched a lot as he got on to the Celtics, and he's had an incredible career."
Fans have been reacting to this.
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"Celtics gotta figure out a pathway for this kid," said one. "After his final year of rookie contract. Celtics offer him a 1 year contract he accepts it."
"Enjoy him Dallas cause in 5 years he'll be a Celtic," said another.
"Can't wait till he's Celtic," said another.
"Cooper Flagg, Boston Celtic 2031," one added.
"HES GONNA BE A CELTICS ONE DAY," said another.
"hes gonna b a celtic TRUST," one wrote.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Tatum has become a model of consistency and two-way excellence for the Celtics, and Flagg's admiration points to his ambition to reach that same tier. At 27 years old, his resume speaks for itself, with six All-Star and five All-NBA selections. He also led the Boston Celtics to the 2024 championship and followed it up with another strong campaign.
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Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this past season while once again serving as the focal point of one of the league's most balanced roster. However, his future is on hold after suffering a torn Achilles during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Related: Celtics Player Reveals Jayson Tatum Update
Related: Celtics' Brad Stevens Makes Jaylen Brown Statement After NBA Draft
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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