Cooper Flagg entered the 2025 NBA Draft as a top prospect, following a standout freshman season at Duke University. The Dallas Mavericks secured the 18-year-old forward as the No. 1 overall pick, marking the start of his professional career. Flagg’s public admiration for Jayson Tatum during draft night interviews has ignited discussions among fans and analysts about a potential future with the Boston Celtics.
Throughout the draft process, Flagg demonstrated notable maturity and composure, impressing scouts and team executives with his leadership and basketball intelligence. These qualities helped solidify his reputation as a well-rounded player ready to impact the NBA immediately. When asked on SportsCenter by Scott Van Pelt which NBA player he looks forward to competing against, Flagg named Jayson Tatum, highlighting Tatum’s impressive career and influence.
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.
—Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks forward
Flagg’s Comments Spark Fan Excitement for Celtics Connection
Flagg’s praise for Tatum has not gone unnoticed by fans, many of whom are hopeful the young forward could join Boston in the future. Social media reactions show Celtics supporters envisioning Flagg donning the green and white after his rookie contract expires, fueling rumors and enthusiasm around such a move.
Celtics gotta figure out a pathway for this kid,
one fan commented.
After his final year of rookie contract. Celtics offer him a 1 year contract he accepts it.
Other fans expressed similar optimism about Flagg’s potential Celtics tenure:
Enjoy him Dallas cause in 5 years he’ll be a Celtic,
another wrote.
HES GONNA BE A CELTICS ONE DAY,
added a different fan.
Jayson Tatum’s Impact on the Celtics and NBA
At 27 years old, Jayson Tatum has established himself as a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics franchise. His consistent performance includes six All-Star appearances, five All-NBA selections, and a key role in leading Boston to the 2024 NBA Championship. In the recent season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, proving to be a vital two-way player on one of the league’s most balanced teams.
However, Tatum’s trajectory faced a setback due to a torn Achilles tendon sustained during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. This injury places his immediate future with the Celtics in some uncertainty but does not diminish his influence as a player aspiring young talents like Flagg look up to.
What Flagg’s Admiration Could Mean for Celtics’ Future
Flagg’s recognition of Tatum’s excellence reflects the younger player’s ambition to reach a similar elite level in the NBA. His respect for Tatum’s career achievements and playing style suggests that Flagg values the qualities that have made Tatum a model of success for the Celtics. For Boston, this connection may inspire efforts to maintain a core of impactful, skilled forwards in the years ahead.
As Flagg begins his NBA journey with the Mavericks, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if his early admiration for Tatum leads to on-court rivalries or eventual collaboration. Meanwhile, the Celtics focus on supporting Tatum’s recovery and continuing their pursuit of another championship.