During the NBA playoffs, Kobe Bryant critiqued Jayson Tatum's game on his ESPN special. The Mamba identified several areas where Tatum can improve, such as taking advantage of off-ball screens and catch-and-shoot opportunities.
While it's too early to tell if Tatum took Bryant's advice, the similarities between the two wingers are glaring. On Twitter this weekend, renowned basketball trainer Drew Hanlen shared a video comparing Bryant and his latest protege.
My man @jaytatum0 is a bucket because he studies film & has spent YEARS perfecting his craft. Stole a lot of his best stuff straight from his idol @kobebryant #puresweatfam pic.twitter.com/woNmY9ou82
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) July 15, 2018Tatum, who grew up idolizing Bryant, says in the video he's already modeled his style after the Lakers great. "Kobe Bryant was the reason I started playing basketball," Tatum explained.
Bryant, of course, is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. He averaged 25.0 points per game for his career and took home five championships. It's hard to find a better role-model for Tatum.
As a rookie in 2017-18, Tatum averaged 13.9 points per contest. He turned into the Celtics' No. 1 scorer in the playoffs, averaging 18.5 points per night on 47-percent shooting in Kyrie Irving's and Gordon Hayward's absences.
There are no sure bets in professional sports. But right now, there's no denying Tatum is on a superstar trajectory. Following Bryant's lead can only help.
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