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Behind Cooper Flagg’s praise for Jayson Tatum lies a truth not everyone dares to speak out loud!

Posted on June 27, 2025 - 10:15 am by

On a electrifying Wednesday night at the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks made waves by selecting Duke sensation Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick. The 18-year-old phenom from Maine, a state without an NBA team, has long gravitated toward the Boston Celtics, the closest franchise to his hometown. But it was Flagg’s candid moment on ESPN with Scott Van Pelt that stole the spotlight, revealing a deeper connection to one of the game’s brightest stars: Jayson Tatum.

When Van Pelt posed the question, “Who’s the guy, Cooper, that you imagine when it hits you… ‘Oh my gosh, this is my life’?” Flagg didn’t hesitate. “Maybe Jayson Tatum,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of admiration. “That’s somebody I watched a lot at Duke and then watched again as he’s gone on to the Celtics.” The response wasn’t just about fandom—it hinted at a shared journey, a quiet truth about legacy and aspiration that resonates far beyond the court.

A Duke Brotherhood

Flagg and Tatum are bound by more than just geography. Both are products of Duke University’s storied basketball program, a pipeline that has produced an unmatched number of No. 1 overall picks in recent years. As Bleacher Report noted, “THREE Duke players have been taken No. 1 since 2019: Zion [Williamson], Paolo [Banchero], & now Cooper Flagg. Blue Devils have the most No. 1 picks EVER.” This legacy isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to the program’s ability to shape generational talents who carry its ethos into the NBA.

Tatum, who blazed the trail in 2017 as the No. 3 pick to the Boston Celtics, has become a beacon for players like Flagg. Watching Tatum dominate at Duke and then evolve into a perennial All-Star and NBA champion with the Celtics, Flagg found a blueprint for success. “I watched him a lot,” Flagg admitted, and it’s easy to see why. Tatum’s smooth scoring, clutch performances, and relentless work ethic mirror the qualities Flagg showcased during his freshman year at Duke.

Flagg’s Meteoric Rise

Flagg’s journey to the top pick was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four—where they fell to Houston—Flagg posted jaw-dropping averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game across 37 contests. His shooting splits were equally impressive: 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. These numbers don’t just reflect talent; they scream versatility, poise, and a readiness to compete at the NBA level.

At 6’9”, Flagg combines guard-like skills with forward size, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s most dynamic two-way players. His ability to score from anywhere, defend multiple positions, and facilitate for teammates made him a no-brainer for the Mavericks, who see him as a cornerstone for their future.

The Unspoken Truth

But Flagg’s praise for Tatum reveals something deeper—a truth not everyone in the basketball world dares to voice. In an era where rivalries and egos often dominate headlines, Flagg’s admiration for Tatum is a refreshing nod to respect and inspiration. It’s a reminder that even the brightest young stars look up to those who came before them, especially when their paths converge so closely. Flagg isn’t just chasing Tatum’s game; he’s chasing the legacy of a player who turned Duke’s lessons into NBA glory.

For Flagg, facing Tatum won’t just be a matchup—it’ll be a moment of reckoning, a chance to measure himself against the player who inspired him. And for Tatum, it’s a chance to see his influence reflected in a new generation. As Flagg steps onto the NBA stage, the basketball world will be watching, not just for his dunks or blocks, but for the quiet fire of a kid from Maine who dares to dream as big as his idols.