Jayson Tatum grew up a fan of LeBron James, showcased by his now famous earlier childhood photo with The King back in his days with the Miami Heat. Yet his evolution throughout his rookie season has evolved into his own hero singing praise to him after he's become a much more mature player than he was during a season-opening matchup against James.

“I think his composure (is impressive), he plays above his age,” said James, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “I think the unfortunate events of the injuries that they've had have allowed him to, I believe, get better faster than I believe they expected here. Because it's given him an opportunity to make fail plays or make mistakes and learn from them and still be on the floor.”

“His talent, his composure, where he comes from has allowed him to be successful so he's a very, very, very good player already and he definitely at this pace can become a great player.”

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Tatum was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics after president Danny Ainge traded the No. 1 overall selection to the Philadelphia 76ers, a gambit that has paid dividends for the front office maverick, getting the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals and two wins away from the NBA Finals, still with two games at home left in a best-of-seven scenario.

The Duke standout has become a key asset for this young team, taking the role of a scorer and playmaker within Brad Stevens' innovative plug-and-play system.