Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum: From St. Louis Prodigy to NBA Superstar

Early Life and Family Background

Jayson Christopher Tatum was born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Raised by his mother, Brandy Cole—a dedicated lawyer who balanced school and parenthood—Tatum grew up in a household that emphasized hard work and perseverance. His father, Justin Tatum, was a former college basketball player and coach, and Jayson was often seen playing in adult pickup games by the time he was just in fifth grade. Despite the challenges of being raised by a single mom, his upbringing was rooted in love, discipline, and a relentless passion for basketball.

High School and College Journey

Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, where he quickly became one of the top basketball prospects in the country. He was a three-time Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American. Ranked among the top recruits nationally, Tatum committed to Duke University and played for the Blue Devils during the 2016–2017 season. In his freshman year, he averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, helping Duke to an ACC Championship title.

NBA Career with the Boston Celtics

Selected as the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Tatum wasted no time proving his worth. He earned All-Rookie First Team honors in 2018 and quickly developed into the franchise’s centerpiece. Throughout his NBA career, he has averaged 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game across more than 580 regular-season games.

In the 2024–2025 season, Tatum made key adjustments to his shooting mechanics, increasing his scoring efficiency. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game while maintaining a 45.2% field goal percentage. His leadership helped guide the Celtics to consistent playoff appearances and a championship-caliber presence in the Eastern Conference.

Major Achievements and Recognition

Jayson Tatum has compiled an impressive list of accolades:

• 6× NBA All-Star (2020–2025)

• 3× All-NBA First Team selection (2022–2024)

• 2023 NBA All-Star Game MVP

• 2024 NBA Champion

• Olympic gold medalist (2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris)

In 2024, Tatum signed a historic five-year, $314 million extension with the Celtics, making it the largest contract in NBA history at the time.

Off-Court Life and Legacy

Outside of basketball, Tatum is a proud father to his son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., who is often seen courtside cheering on his dad. Jayson also runs the Jayson Tatum Foundation, which supports youth through education and athletic programs, aiming to uplift under-resourced communities in St. Louis and beyond.

With his unique blend of elite scoring ability, defensive versatility, and off-court humility, Jayson Tatum has emerged not just as the face of the Boston Celtics but also as one of the most respected young leaders in the NBA.