The year 2017 was life-changing for Jayson Tatum in more ways than one. The 25-year-old star was drafted into the NBA as the third overall pick by the Boston Celtics. He has since established himself as a franchise cornerstone, leading his team to the top of the Eastern Conference standings this season. And what fuels his drive, you ask? His adorable six-year-old son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr.

Deuce was born on December 7, 2017, to Jayson Tatum Sr. and his ex-girlfriend, Toriah Lachell. Although Tatum and Lachell have since parted ways, they are steadfast in their commitment to co-parenting their son. Tatum was a rookie when he had Deuce; however, he has made a concerted effort to prioritize both fatherhood and his career.“My mindset was not to sacrifice either. I was going to be the best father as well as the best basketball player,” Tatum said during a post-game press conference in 2022.

Having become a father at the tender age of 19, just when his basketball career was taking off, Tatum feels they grew up together in a sense. As Deuce grows up in life, the Celtics’ superstar is also making a mark in the league. “As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, and [we’re] experiencing this together. I think it’s the coolest part for me,” added Tatum.

While Deuce is regularly seen attending his dad’s games, Tatum also keeps him closer by writing his name on all of his game-day kicks. Even his first signature shoes with Nike’s Jordan brand – the Tatum 1, were inspired by Deuce. Talking about his signature shoes, Tatum told the NBA on TNT, “His name is on the inside. 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.”

The honorary member of the Celtics’ clan

A regular fixture on the sidelines during C’s home games, Deuce has become a beloved figure in Beantown. Although there’s no concrete evidence that his presence courtside contributes to the Celtics’ success, they have been nearly unstoppable at TD Garden this season, boasting an impressive record of 26-3. In fact, the 6-year-old has become the unofficial mascot of the team.

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He is all over the Celtics’ social media, hangs out in the team’s locker room, supported coach Ime Udoka during the pre-game chant in 2022, presented an All-Star ring to his dad, and when the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals in 2022, he didn’t miss a stop throughout the playoffs. Apart from crashing his dad’s post-game interviews, this honorary member of the Celtics’ clan has also been spotted hyping players before the game and dapping them up post-victory.

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