The forward for the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant, has always expressed respect for the NBA greats who came before him. He has gotten the same respect from the league during his stay as peers who have advanced the game. 

These days, he is motivating the players of the future, especially forward Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. 

Durant had a conversation with Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic before Phoenix’s Thursday night loss to the Celtics. Tatum was brought up in their talk.

“I’ve been in this league for a long time and I know when it’s a passing of the guard,” Durant declared.

“I can foresee when the younger guys will show up and mimic the older guys’ movements. He’s one of those players who, in both our recent and historical games, will most likely dominate the league for the next 10 or twelve years.

Tatum, a five-time NBA All-Star, has already been chosen to two All-NBA First Teams at the age of 26. 

Having made it to the NBA Finals previously, he is anticipated to mount another heroic playoff run given that Boston is the first club to guarantee a postseason berth in the East after defeating Phoenix earlier this week.