Gregg Popovich To Jayson Tatum: You Could Be Like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George

[RealGM Wiretap]

Jayson Tatum had the opportunity to play for Gregg Popovich for Team USA during the 2019 World Cup.

Popovich touted the unique two-way potential of Tatum.

"Do you know how special you can be?" Popovich asked Tatum. "There are very few two-way players in our game, and you have the opportunity to be one of them. You could be like Kawhi [Leonard] and Paul George."

Tatum was so surprised by the comment that he initially didn't answer.

"I hope I haven't offended you," added Popovich.

"Offended me?" Tatum said. "That's a compliment!"

Via Jackie MacMullan/ESPN

[Chris3323]

I see more Paul George

[zero24gravity]

Maybe I'm reading this wrong .... is he talking about being another king of "load management"?

But in all seriousness, Tatum is talented, for sure.

[Revived]

I don’t watch Boston much, is Tatum a really good defender now?

[deeps6x]

If you played for me.

[emoran]

I don’t watch Boston much, is Tatum a really good defender now?

when he wants to be.. which is more often than not and every 4th quarter... his length makes ppl adjust on the fly but mainly he deflects so many passes..

[the_process]

First off: TAMPERING!!!

Second off: Pop, ostensibly due to dementia, forgot that Tatum's true comp is on his own roster.

[Psubs]

First off: TAMPERING!!!

Second off: Pop, ostensibly due to dementia, forgot that Tatum's true comp is on his own roster.

Gordon Hayward?

[jirrit]

I don’t watch Boston much, is Tatum a really good defender now?

For his age he’s a very solid two way player already

[pagal]

No, he is not Kawhi or PG...over-rated bum.

[Lockdown504090]

Jimmy butler but better on O. not having outrageously long arms may hold him back from being as good as those guys.