“They’ll Regret It”: Jayson Tatum Sounds Off on NBA Teams Overlooked Duke Star in Draft
Byline: June 21, 2025
In a bold statement that’s igniting debates across the basketball world, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum didn’t hold back when discussing this year’s NBA Draft. Speaking to reporters after a Team USA practice session in Las Vegas, Tatum dropped a fiery take that immediately went viral:
> “Mark my words — teams that passed on Jaylen Starks are gonna regret it. Just like they regretted passing on me.”
Tatum, a fellow Duke alum and one of the faces of the NBA, was referring to Duke freshman phenom Jaylen Starks, who shockingly slipped to the 17th pick in last night’s 2025 NBA Draft. Once projected as a top-five selection, Starks’ fall down the draft board left many fans — and clearly, Tatum — stunned.
Starks, a 6’7” wing with a lethal combination of athleticism, defensive prowess, and a silky jump shot, was dominant in his lone season at Duke. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game while leading the Blue Devils to an Elite Eight appearance. His draft slide has been attributed to questions about his consistency and a late-season ankle injury, but Tatum believes those concerns are overblown.
> “Look, I’ve watched this kid up close,” Tatum said. “He’s got that dog in him. He’s already better at 19 than some guys who’ve been in the league three years. I don’t care what some analytics guy says or what a bad game in February tells you — this kid’s a star.”
According to sources, Starks had multiple private workouts that wowed scouts, including a widely discussed session with the Spurs where he reportedly hit 43 of 50 three-point attempts. Yet, teams in the lottery opted for “safer” picks or players with more polished resumes, leaving Starks waiting longer than expected.
Tatum, who himself was taken third overall in 2017 and later proved many doubters wrong, sees echoes of his own journey in Starks.
> “It reminds me of when some people questioned if I could lead a team,” Tatum said. “You don’t need everybody to believe in you — just one team. And the one that picked him? They got a steal.”
That team is the Memphis Grizzlies, who quickly snagged Starks at 17. Pairing him with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis may now have one of the most dynamic young cores in the league.
Social media lit up in support of Tatum’s comments, with many fans calling Starks the “steal of the draft.” NBA Twitter dubbed him the “Duke Sleeper,” and highlight reels of his monster dunks and chase-down blocks began trending.
As for Starks himself, he remained humble but confident after the draft:
> “I’m grateful to Memphis. The league’s gonna see soon enough what I bring. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder — and I’m ready.”
With Jayson Tatum firmly in his corner, expect the hype around Jaylen Starks to only grow — and for 16 teams to start second-guessing their decisions sooner rather than later.
