A Bond Unlike Any Other: Jayson & Deuce Tatum
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
We are all familiar with Jayson Tatum's undeniable passion for basketball. From his days at Duke to his current tenure in Boston, he has consistently showcased a remarkable level of skill and prowess on the court, leaving fans worldwide in awe. His performance in the recent NBA postseason has been nothing short of captivating. However, delving beyond his on-court persona, we discover an inspiring facet of Jayson Tatum – a devoted and affectionate father to his son, Jayson Christopher Tatum, Jr., affectionately known as Deuce.
jaytatum0 /Instagram
Deuce was born on December 6, 2017, making Jayson's rookie year even more special. Jayson shares Deuce with his ex-girlfriend, Toriah Lachell, whom he met in high school. Jayson and Decue have an extremely close bond. While Jayson's schedule and career can be pretty demanding, he still goes out of his way to include Deuce as much as possible. If Deuce cannot make a game, Jasyon still finds a way to make his presence known. If you look closely at Jayson's shoes, you'll see "Deuce" written on them. When Deuce is at games, he is sitting courtside to cheer on his dad and his teammates. If you miss Deuce during the game, you might find him in a postgame interview, as he loves to "crash" Jayson's time with the press. During the pandemic, Jayson and Deuce had to spend extra time apart due to the NBA's social distancing policy, which they called the "bubble." To keep Deuce a part of his gameday routine, Jayson read books to Deuce through FaceTime. Nothing can stop their bond!
USA Today Sports
Jayson takes immense pride in Deuce. When Deuce was born, Jayson was 19, and he explained that he and Deuce had "grown up together." The two have built a relationship with basketball at the center.
“I’m around him every day. I think being able to go through this journey together because I was 19 when I got drafted, it’s kind of like we’re growing up together. As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up”
Living under a microscope is difficult, but Deuce motivates Jayson to show up and play his best.
Jayson has always maintained that he wouldn't push Deuce into basketball, but it's clear that's where Deuce's passion lies. According to Jayson, Deuce is now a part of an organized basketball team and is 'falling in love with the game.' Grant Williams, one of Jayson's former teammates who formed a bond with Deuce, also commended the young star's skills. Williams said, 'He's a great passer. He's a better passer than his dad sometimes'. With his natural talent and the guidance of Jayson and his teammates, Deuce could be the next big thing in basketball, and that's something to be excited about.
Deuce with Draymond Green of the San Francisco Warriors (Media News Group/Getty Images)
Their bond has touched the hearts of many, making Deuce a vital member of the Celtics' family. Back in 2022, during the Celtics' last NBA Finals appearance, the Celtics' social media team highlighted Deuce. In a post to X, fans can see Deuce cheering on the team with adorable homemade signs. He is also known to high-five other players before and after the games. Deuce has been named "The Unofficial Mascot of the Celtics." Deuce wears this title with extreme pride and honor.
Jayson and Deuce truly have a bond unlike any other. They serve as a reminder of how important family can be. Their deep connection is characterized by mutual love, unwavering support, and shared moments of joy and laughter. As the Celtics gear up to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, we eagerly anticipate witnessing more touching and heartwarming interactions between these two individuals.