Kevin Durant: Jayson Tatum Will Control NBA Moving Forward

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant believes Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will run the league for the coming years.

PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has always been a consistent admirer of past legends that have come before him in the NBA. He's equally praised counterparts that have helped elevate the game to new levels during his time in the league. 

Now, he's lifting up the next generation of players - specifically Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. 

Ahead of Phoenix's eventual loss to the Celtics on Thursday, Durant spoke with Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic and was asked about Tatum:

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

“I know when the young dudes are going to come in and do the same thing the older guys are doing. He’s one of those guys that’s likely going to control the league for the next 10, 12 years and be a staple in our game and the history of our game.”

Tatum - just 26 years old - is already a five-time NBA All-Star with two All-NBA First Team accolades to his name. 

He previously reached the NBA Finals and is set to make another deep playoff push again, as Boston is currently the East's No. 1 seed and became the first team to secure a playoff spot with their win over Phoenix earlier in the week.