“He’s Got an Edge About Him”: After Leaving Stephen Curry and LeBron James in Awe, 16YO High School Phenom Gets Lauded by Jayson Tatum

Published 09/11/2023, 3:12 AM EDT

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Victor Wembanyama emulated LeBron James’ draft hype this year. While the French phenom stunned the NBA world with his abilities, another generational talent is set to repeat history in just three years. A 16-year-old high school phenom has already left Stephen Curry and LeBron James stunned with his unbelievable talent. Now, he has grabbed the Boston Celtics forward, Jayson Tatum‘s attention as well.

The basketball world assumed the 2023 NBA Draft would be the last time in the coming years that a draft prospect would generate as much hype as The Chosen One back in 2003. However, the arrival of the 16-year-old basketball wonderkid may take them by storm. After Stephen Curry and LeBron James both hailed the high school prodigy’s talent, Tatum took his turn to shower praise.

Jayson Tatum showers praise for 16-year-old wonderkid

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Coming into his draft class, Jayson Tatum was hailed as an extraordinary talent. Given his history, the 4-time All-Star definitely knows a thing or two about creating tremendous buzz before entering the league. The Celtics forward met a similar prodigy at his camp in 16-year-old Cooper Flagg.

Flagg has left the United States basketball circuit awestruck with his incredible abilities. Considered a natural, Flagg already possesses a game that seems polished for the NBA. Hence, even Jayson Tatum could not help but hail praise for the high school phenom. “I like him a lot,” said Tatum. He added “Obviously, he’s athletic, he can dribble, shoot. The thing that impressed me was how hard he competed on both ends. He’s got an edge about him, not arrogant.” 

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Tatum further mentioned what impressed him about Flagg, saying “He knows he’s good, but he realizes he’s got a long way to go. He’s going at guys, going at the pros. He was trying to block every shot, getting every rebound….He was asking questions a lot, listening.”

The 25-year-old got a close look at Flagg’s talent in his camp last month and he evidently seemed impressed. His comments further stand testimony to his awe of Cooper Flagg. However, the 16-year-old has not only impressed Tatum but also the iconic rivals, LeBron James and Stephen Curry. In fact, he received huge praise from the two legends as well.

Before Tatum, Flagg left Chef Curry and The King in awe

Jayson Tatum may have been impressed with Flagg’s abilities. But LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who got a much closer look were absolutely starstruck. The 4-time champions both expressed their appreciation for Flagg in different ways.

James’ son Bryce James entered the Nike Peach Jam this year, much to the fans’ excitement. However, Cooper Flagg stole the show in the tournament with some blistering performances. The Los Angeles Lakers forward noticed this incredible output of Flagg and shared an intimate conversation with the 16-year-old during the tournament.
On the other hand, Stephen Curry saw Flagg’s brilliance in his basketball camp just months ago. While several youngsters in the camp seemed like promising athletes, Flagg stood out as the most remarkable talent among the group. He dominated the floor with his explosive play and athleticism. He also possessed a basketball IQ and footwork unlike any other. The Golden State Warriors guard witnessed his brilliance standing courtside.

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Cooper Flagg still has to wait three years to make it to the NBA. However, his hype in the United States is already soaring. Following LeBron James and Stephen Curry, he has now also received the endorsement from Jayson Tatum. Evidently, there is no ceiling to his potential in the NBA.

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Written by:

Sachit Kaundinya

360Articles

One take at a time

Sachit is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for several years and is deeply passionate about the sport and it’s strategic aspects. Combining his passion and desire to stay connected with basketball, Sachit pursued a writing career.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe