Jayson Tatum has experienced both his professional and personal lives, having become a father at the age of 19 and a rising NBA star. Deuce Tatum was born on December 6, 2017, six months after his father Jayson was selected by the Boston Celtics to play in the NBA. Toriah Lachell and Jayson had met while in high school and were dating at the time.
When Jayson learned of his girlfriend’s pregnancy near the conclusion of his freshman year at Duke, he was extremely frightened because he was about to be considered as a prospect for the 2017 NBA draft.This was a week or two before the end of the academic year, so in my head, I was going to leave Duke, get ready for my Draft, and enjoy my life to the fullest. Then someone says, “No, you’re about to have a child.”
As a young athlete, Jayson’s ability to balance both things at the age of 19 first seemed to be a liability.Jayson remembered his circumstances at the time and the choice he made.I’ll be honest, at first I was selfish. I was more concerned about being drafted than I was about becoming a father since I had always wanted to play in the NBA. Two months away was the most wonderful day of my life. I kept it a secret from everyone, including my teammates and coaches.
Without harming his career, Jayson’s selfishness was exposed by keeping the information from the squad and coach. But after telling him the news, his coach Brad Stevens gave him a lot of support in return. Tatum laments devoting more of his attention to his career at that time than to his son. Additionally, it brings back memories of his difficult father-son relationship.
Jayson Tatum draws inspiration from his son Deuce Tatum
The NBA career of Jayson Tatum is developing alongside that of his 5-year-old son Deuce Tatum. As they both grow older, the Celtics star’s relationship with his kid has been exceptional both on and off the court. Deuce has been a huge help to him, from interrupting interviews to becoming friends with his teammates and being present on the floor.
Jayson Tatum and son Deuce celebrating with the Celtics after their Game 2 victory
(via @celtics)pic.twitter.com/GSfyK29IU2
ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 20, 2022
Jayson discussed finding motivation from his son in his life during a Nike interview.You can be inspired by folks who are both older and younger than you. More than I could have anticipated, my son has inspired me, the father stated. On game days, Jayson wears sneakers with his son’s nickname inscribed on them as a symbol of their closeness.
JT & Deuce
Jayson Tatum discusses Fatherhood and what being a dad means to him. pic.twitter.com/epE6JJuBgT
NBA (@NBA) June 19, 2022
Jayson’s son serves as the main source of inspiration in his life, particularly in his career. As Deuce gets older, he learns about and observes things that are important to his father and have an effect on him. For all of his supporters, the 5-year-old has developed into a superstar like his father. Additionally, during practice, he picks up new basketball strategies and tricks.
In contrast to his father, Jayson developed a different outlook on life and was successful in both his job and his family. He has one of the prettiest father-son teams in the NBA with his son.
