Latest news with #JaysonTatum
Yahoo
10 hours ago
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Jayson Tatum Makes Cooper Flagg Gesture After NBA Draft
Jayson Tatum Makes Cooper Flagg Gesture After NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. To no surprise, Duke star Cooper Flagg went first overall in the NBA Draft on Wednesday and was selected by the Dallas Mavericks. Most considered Flagg to be the top prospect in the draft, and the general consensus was that he would go No. 1. Advertisement The future is bright for Flagg as he is just 18 years old and has the makings to be a star in the NBA. Additionally, the Mavericks were a Play-In team last season, so there is reason to believe he can help the team contend in the 2025-26 season. After the draft, Boston Celtics star and fellow Duke alum Jayson Tatum took to Instagram to reshare a picture of himself and Flagg. Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum reshares a post on / Instagram Flagg, a Maine native, has cited Tatum as one of the players he models his game after, and he even named him as the player he is most looking forward to going head-to-head against in the league. "That's a good question. Maybe Jayson Tatum," Flagg said about who he is looking forward to facing in the NBA. "That's somebody that I watched a lot at Duke and then watched a lot again as he went on to the Celtics." As it stands, it seems unlikely the newest Maverick will be able to fulfill this dream next season as Tatum is likely to miss the entire campaign due to his Achilles injury. Still, once the Celtics star makes his return to the court, this will be a game worth circling on the calendar for both fanbases. Advertisement With Flagg now in Dallas, there is a lot to like about the team's outlook as they aim to make it back to the playoffs. Ahead of his rookie season, it is clear that he has one big supporter in the league in Tatum, and only time will tell how he fares against him in NBA action down the line. Related: Cooper Flagg Turns Heads With Jayson Tatum Message After NBA Draft Related: Jrue Holiday Breaks Silence With 3-Word Message After Celtics Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
17 hours ago
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- Fox Sports
2025-26 NBA Prediction, Pick: Back Cleveland Cavaliers To Win Title
The 2024-25 NBA season concluded with the Oklahoma City Thunder outlasting the Indiana Pacers in a decisive Game 7. The victory was the 80th and most important win of the season for the new champs. The Thunder are quite obviously deserving and worthy champions. However, the game when Tyrese Haliburton got hurt will unfortunately be the first memory for many when they look back at what was set up to be a dramatic and fascinating Game 7. The Pacers were one win away from one of the most remarkable title runs in sports history. At some books, they had 85-1 odds in late April — a sport where long-shot title winners of that magnitude simply don't occur. But with a 68-14 regular-season record, the dominant Thunder have nothing to apologize for. They were the best team all year, and they will have a banner to back it up — even if we fans can't help but feel like we were deprived of what could have been a classic final game. The question now is who's next? It seems like the Thunder should be even better next year, as their entire team is under contract and many of their top players are just entering their prime years. They are the favorite, as they should be. However, two years ago, the Denver Nuggets won it all. And the sentiment of that being the first of many titles was prevalent. Denver hasn't made it out of the second round since. When Boston defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals last June, there was plenty of reason to think more parades were on the horizon for the Celtics. This year, they lost in the second round and have spent this offseason dismantling their roster, while Jayson Tatum recovers from a major injury. Winning is very hard. Admittedly, the Thunder seem more equipped than the previous two champions, but at +225 odds to win the title, is it worth betting this far out? I'd say no. The Cleveland Cavaliers at +850 is the best price considering all options. They play in the Eastern Conference, so that's the first thing. The East was much weaker than the West this season, and now teams in the conference have seen injuries recently to the aforementioned Haliburton and Tatum. This likely eliminates the Pacers and Celtics as possible contenders. The Cavaliers had a bitter ending to what was a great season. They went 64-18 but lost in five games in the second round. However, their playoff disappointment can be forgiven somewhat, considering they were hampered by a number of injuries to key players. Their main competition in the East looks to be the Knicks and Magic. These are formidable foes but not teams that the Cavaliers take a backseat to. Granted, having a path to winning the East doesn't mean I think they would necessarily beat the Thunder if that ends up being the matchup. But at +850 odds, we can worry about that next June. PICK: Cleveland Cavaliers (+850) to win 2025-26 NBA Championship Will Hill, a contributor on the Bears Bets Podcast, has been betting on sports for over a decade. He is a betting analyst who has been a host on VSiN, as well as the Goldboys Network. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
17 hours ago
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Celtics teammate of Jayson Tatum gives ‘good spirits' update amid Achilles recovery
The post Celtics teammate of Jayson Tatum gives 'good spirits' update amid Achilles recovery appeared first on ClutchPoints. Boston Celtics forward Torrey Craig gave a positive update on Jayson Tatum's recovery from a torn Achilles. The Celtics superstar is over a month removed from going down at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. Tatum has a long rehab process ahead of him as Boston begins a very consequential offseason for the franchise's future. The face of the Celtics' franchise is still just 28 years old and very capable of making a full recovery from this setback. Advertisement Tatum is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season; however, the six-time All-Star remains upbeat. In a recent interview with The Garden Report, Torrey Craig revealed an encouraging update after visiting his teammate four weeks into rehab. The veteran forward seemed upbeat about Tatum's demeanor throughout this process. 'Just to see him in good spirits — see him smiling, laughing, joking around — and just, you know, just have normal conversation. Talk about the offseason, what I'm up to, and uh, yeah, I just look forward to his recovery, the progress he's making. And it's always just good seeing him in good spirits.' Celtics fans have to be fired up about this latest news. While the playoff exit against the Knicks was disappointing, the Tatum injury is the main reason this front office has several difficult decisions over the next few months. Boston is projected to be over the second apron again, and with new ownership coming in, the franchise might decide to get out of specific contracts to lessen its financial burden. The question is how much the Celtics could get back in a potential trade for Kristaps Porzingis or Jrue Holiday at this stage of their careers. Holiday is still a very good role as one of the best defenders of his generation. But the two-time All-Star is 35 and currently on a deal worth more than $30 million per year that expires at the end of the 2027-28 season. Porzingis, on the other hand, might be even harder to trade, even though he is only 29. The center has had a productive career with the Celtics and was crucial to the title run last year, but is an enigma regarding his health. In addition, Porzingis was dealing with a mystery illness the last few months of the season, and there's no telling if he's completely recovered from that. Advertisement Derrick White and Jaylen Brown are also on hefty contracts, specifically Brown. Those two players are franchise cornerstones who should continue to be with the Celtics for the foreseeable future. Overall, it's not the end of the world for Boston. The roster around Tatum will likely be significantly different when he returns to the floor. Still, when the superstar forward returns to the floor, the Celtics will be back to their championship-contending ways. Related: Patriots rookie reveals Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla message Related: NBA rumors: Insider floats Celtics involvement in Kevin Durant trade, with a catch
Yahoo
a day ago
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- Yahoo
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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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 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. Advertisement 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.
Yahoo
a day ago
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- Yahoo
Celtics' Brad Stevens Sends Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Message
Celtics' Brad Stevens Sends Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Message originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Boston Celtics entered the offseason facing significant uncertainty about their championship core. Six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum is currently rehabbing from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during the Eastern Conference semifinals and is widely expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. Jaylen Brown, meanwhile, recently underwent minor knee surgery and has been ramping up rehab to return ahead of training camp. Advertisement The Celtics also made sweeping roster changes over the week, trading guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, with more roster change potentially on the way. Boston Celtics forwards Jayson Tatum (0) and Jaylen Brown (7)© David Butler II-Imagn Images Amid these shifts, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens addressed the media after Wednesday's NBA Draft. Stevens gave an update on Tatum and Brown, praising both players' shared commitment to their recoveries: 'They've both prioritized getting better and rehabbing,' he stated during draft-night remarks. 'After a long season, I appreciate that about them,' confirming that both Tatum and Brown have been working out at the Auerbach Center frequently this offseason. Stevens noted that Tatum is making solid progress but emphasized that the team will not impose any return timeline. 'It's baby steps right now,' he said when discussing Boston's cautious approach to his rehabilitation (via ESPN). Advertisement Following a championship run in 2024, Boston finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, but fell short to the New York Knicks in the Conference Semifinals. While they may not return next season as a title-contending team, the Celtics will still hope to compete in the playoffs next year. Related: Fans Bracing for Jaylen Brown Trade After Celtics' Posts Related: Cooper Flagg Turns Heads With Jayson Tatum Message After NBA Draft This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
