Many NBA legends are nearing the end of their careers, and there has been much discussion about who will be the league’s next face. The premier player for the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, is not alone in thinking that if he can win Beantown’s Banner No. 18, he’ll be up next.

According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant expressed optimism about Tatum’s future as they prepared for their rematch on Thursday night. Tatum is 26 years old.

Durant stated, “I’ve been in this league for a long time and I know when it’s a passing of the guard.” “I can predict when the younger guys will enter and copy the actions of the more experienced ones.”

Now 35 years old, Durant has participated in almost 1,000 games throughout the regular season, making him one of those “older guys.” The 14-time All-Star demonstrated on Saturday that he was still a top player by scoring a season-high 45 points against the C’s. But his Suns were defeated by the Celtics 117-107, and he may be in the latter two or three years of his NBA career.

Regarding Tatum, Durant believes that he has a bright future.

“He’s one of those guys that I think will be a mainstay in our game’s history and control the league for the next ten to twelve years,”

In 42 minutes of action against Phoenix, Tatum finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. On Thursday, he must replicate, if not surpass, his performance because center Kristaps Porzingis will once more be sidelined by a right hamstring injury for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown, a fellow 2024 All-Star, is likewise uncertain for the moment.

The Celtics lead the Eastern Conference with an overall record of 51-14, while the Suns, who are 38-27, are in sixth place in the competitive Western Conference. While Boston’s seeding won’t be affected by this game right away, sweeping a good Suns team would send a strong message ahead of the quickly approaching postseason.