From becoming a dad at the age of 19 to becoming a successful NBA star, Jayson Tatum is having a taste of both his professional and personal life. Born on December 6, 2017, Jayson welcomed his son, Deuce Tatum, six months after his draft to NBA by the Boston Celtics. Jayson at that time was dating Toriah Lachell, who met during high school.
It was at the end of his college year at Duke when Jayson received the news of his girlfriend’s pregnancy and was worried sick as he was about to become a prospect in the 2017 NBA draft. “I got sick to my stomach because this was a week or two before school was ending, so in my mind, I’m like I’m about to leave Duke, get ready for my Draft, live my life — have a blast. And then it’s like, ‘No, you ’bout to have a kid.”
As a rookie player, Jayson’s mindset to handle both things at the age of 19 first appeared as a drawback. Jayson recalled his situation at that time and the decision taken up by him. “I was selfish at first, honestly. I was more worried about getting drafted than about being a dad because my whole life I had dreamed about going to the NBA. The best day of my life was two months away. I didn’t tell anybody – I didn’t tell my teammates, the coaches, anything…”
Not impacting his career, Jayson’s selfishness came up by not revealing the news to the team and coach. However, in return, he received great help from his coach Brad Stevens after he informed him of the news. Reflecting on that time Tatum regrets giving more importance to his career rather than his son. It also draws back his memories of his tough relationship with his father.
Jayson Tatum draws inspiration from his son Deuce Tatum
Jayson Tatum’s NBA career is growing alongside his 5-year-old son Deuce Tatum. The Celtics star’s on and off-court chemistry with his son has been one of a kind as they grow along. From crashing interviews to becoming friends with his teammates and his presence on the court, Deuce has been a great support to him.
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
During an interview with Nike, Jayson talked about drawing inspiration from his son in his life. “People older than you and people younger than you can inspire you. My son has inspired me in more ways than I could have imagined.” – he said. To honor their bond, Jayson usually writes his son’s nickname on his sneakers worn on game days.
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 inspiration for his life is mostly drawn by his son, especially in his professional life. Deuce is growing up learning and seeing things surrounding his father, leaving an impact on his dad. The 5-year-old has become a superstar like his father for the all fans out there. Besides this, he is learning new tricks and tips in basketball during the practice session.
Jayson, unlike his father, grew up with a different mindset to neither sacrifice his son nor his career, becoming successful in both. His relationship with his son is one of the cutest father-son duos of the NBA.
