Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has set his sights on a remarkable piece of NBA history, expressing his desire to one day share the court with his own son, just as LeBron James did last season.
Following the James Family Blueprint
The 2024 NBA champion, still only 27 years old, openly discussed the possibility during a recent appearance on The Morris Code podcast. Tatum's inspiration comes directly from witnessing LeBron and Bronny James make history in 2024 as the league's first-ever active father-son duo. Bronny, aged 21, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, where his 40-year-old father has cemented his legendary status.
"He turns 8, I'm 27, it's like, 'Man, can I play 10 more years?'" Tatum said, referring to his son Deuce, who celebrated his eighth birthday last Saturday. "I can easily do that. I mean, if it were to work out, that would be cool."
The Timeline for Tatum and Deuce
For this unique dream to become reality, the maths is clear. Jayson Tatum Jr., known as Deuce, was born in December 2017. To be eligible for the NBA Draft, a player must be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school. This means Deuce would likely enter the league around the 2035-36 season, when Tatum would be 37.
Tatum, who now also has a second child with British singer Ella Mai, has already seen the early signs of his son's interest in the game. "He just started playing basketball on an organised team," Tatum told People magazine last year. "So he's really starting to fall in love with the game. It's exciting to see that."
A Courtside Regular with a Famous Name
Deuce, whose full name is Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., is no stranger to the NBA environment. He is regularly spotted courtside at Celtics games, soaking in the atmosphere and watching his father, a five-time NBA All-Star, perform at the highest level.
While a decade is a long time in professional sport, Tatum's confidence in his longevity is evident. His elite skill set and playing style suggest he could maintain a high level of performance into his late thirties, much like LeBron James has. If Deuce's budding passion for basketball translates into elite talent, the NBA could witness its second historic father-son partnership in little over a decade.
