To some of us, it still feels like star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum just got to the league (and is only 19 years old for those of you still beating that poor joke into the dust). But for many, he’s been a part of the league for much of their lives, even an inspiration to model themselves after.
Such can be said of Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero, fellow Duke alumnus and former top overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft. In a recent interview with Substack’s Marc Stein, the Seattle native shared that Tatum’s success as a player broadened his horizons for what was possible for a tall, mobile forward. “LeBron and Carmelo (Anthony), growing up, were by far my two favorites my whole childhood,” he explained.
“And then as I got older I started to know about Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum — dynamic forwards who are able to play inside or outside.
Celtics players and fans mingled and celebrated as Jaylen Brown’s 7uice Brand opens new pop-up space in Boston’s Seaport. https://t.co/zgRY2C7hGf
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 16, 2022
“I also want to have my own style of play with my own flair,” Banchero made a point of saying. “I’m just trying to be myself.”
In a league where everyone is themselves by borrowing a bit from others to accomplish it, we have to say Banchero has his eyes on the right range of players if he wants to bend his game in the direction of the modern NBA.
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