Cooper Flagg Gives High Praise To Jayson Tatum Ahead Of Celtics-Mavs
The brotherhood shared by Duke Blue Devils alumni remains one of the most potent connections in professional basketball, a reality that was on full display this week. As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to host the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated showdown, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg directed significant praise toward Jayson Tatum, crediting the Celtics superstar as a crucial mentor during his navigation of the NBA landscape.
Flagg, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, entered the league facing a level of scrutiny and expectation that few players ever encounter. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Celtics-Mavs clash, the 19-year-old forward revealed that Tatum proactively reached out to him to offer advice before Flagg even played his first professional game. Flagg noted that Tatum’s trajectory—entering the league as a high-profile prospect and evolving into a championship-winning franchise cornerstone—serves as the ideal blueprint for his own career. He emphasized that Tatum "has been there," understanding the unique pressure of being a young star expected to deliver immediate wins.
The context of this praise adds depth to the matchup. Flagg is currently in the midst of a historic rookie campaign, recently posting consecutive 30-point performances that have energized the Dallas fanbase. Conversely, Tatum has fully embraced the role of the elder statesman following Boston's dominant 2024 title run against this very franchise. While the rosters have shifted since that Finals meeting, the narrative of the "Duke Brotherhood" remains a constant thread.
For Boston, seeing Tatum mentor the next generation of talent reflects his maturation as a leader. For Dallas, Flagg’s reverence for Tatum suggests a player focused on long-term greatness rather than fleeting highlights. As the two teams prepare to face off, the game represents more than just a win or loss in the standings; it is a showcase of the league's present and its rapidly ascending future. The mutual respect between Flagg and Tatum ensures that, regardless of the outcome, the bond between the two stars will remain a focal point of the league for years to come.
Flagg, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, entered the league facing a level of scrutiny and expectation that few players ever encounter. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Celtics-Mavs clash, the 19-year-old forward revealed that Tatum proactively reached out to him to offer advice before Flagg even played his first professional game. Flagg noted that Tatum’s trajectory—entering the league as a high-profile prospect and evolving into a championship-winning franchise cornerstone—serves as the ideal blueprint for his own career. He emphasized that Tatum "has been there," understanding the unique pressure of being a young star expected to deliver immediate wins.
The context of this praise adds depth to the matchup. Flagg is currently in the midst of a historic rookie campaign, recently posting consecutive 30-point performances that have energized the Dallas fanbase. Conversely, Tatum has fully embraced the role of the elder statesman following Boston's dominant 2024 title run against this very franchise. While the rosters have shifted since that Finals meeting, the narrative of the "Duke Brotherhood" remains a constant thread.
For Boston, seeing Tatum mentor the next generation of talent reflects his maturation as a leader. For Dallas, Flagg’s reverence for Tatum suggests a player focused on long-term greatness rather than fleeting highlights. As the two teams prepare to face off, the game represents more than just a win or loss in the standings; it is a showcase of the league's present and its rapidly ascending future. The mutual respect between Flagg and Tatum ensures that, regardless of the outcome, the bond between the two stars will remain a focal point of the league for years to come.
