Who is Jayson Tatum?
Jayson Tatum, the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, has cemented his place among the NBA’s elite. In the 2023-2024 season, he led the Celtics to their record-breaking 18th championship, showcasing his leadership, scoring brilliance, and all-around game. While Tatum didn’t win the Finals MVP, his consistent performances throughout the playoffs were crucial in bringing the title back to Boston. From his humble beginnings in St. Louis to NBA superstardom, Tatum’s story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a relentless drive to win.
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Early Life and High School Career
Raised by his mother, Brandy Cole, who had him at 19, Tatum’s early life was marked by challenges. His father, Justin Tatum, played basketball at Saint Louis University and later became a coach, influencing Jayson’s early interest in the sport. Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, where he became one of the nation’s top high school players. During his senior year, he averaged 29.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, leading Chaminade to a Missouri Class 5A state championship.
College Career at Duke
Tatum played one season at Duke University under coach Mike Krzyzewski. He averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability. His performance helped Duke secure the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament title, though they were upset in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Following his freshman year, Tatum declared for the 2017 NBA Draft.
NBA Career with the Boston Celtics
Selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum made an immediate impact. In his rookie season, he averaged 13.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His playoff performance was particularly impressive, as he led the Celtics in scoring and became the first rookie since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to score 20-plus points in 10 postseason games.
Over the following seasons, Tatum’s development was marked by significant milestones:
- All-Star Selections: Tatum has been selected as an NBA All-Star multiple times, with his first selection in 2020.
- Scoring Prowess: In a 2021 game, he scored 60 points, tying Larry Bird’s franchise record for most points in a single game.
- Leadership: In 2024, Tatum led the Celtics to a league-best 64 wins and an NBA championship, securing the franchise’s record-setting 18th title.
- Olympic Success: Tatum won gold medals with the U.S. Olympic basketball team in both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games, contributing significantly to Team USA’s success.
Playing Style and Impact
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Tatum is known for his scoring versatility, defensive capabilities, and poise under pressure. His ability to perform in clutch situations has earned him the nickname “Big Game Jayson.” Tatum holds records for most points scored in an NBA All-Star Game (55) and most points scored in a Game 7 of any NBA playoffs series (51).
Off the Court
Off the court, Tatum is a father to his son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., born in 2017. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts in St. Louis, contributing to various community initiatives and youth programs.
Jayson Tatum’s journey from a challenging upbringing in St. Louis to NBA superstardom exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to evolve as a player, his impact on the game and his contributions to the Celtics’ legacy are poised to grow even further.
Career Accolades
- NBA Champion: 2024 (with the Boston Celtics)
- 5× NBA All-Star: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- 2× All-NBA First Team: 2022, 2023
- 2× All-NBA Second Team: 2021, 2024
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2018
- Eastern Conference Finals MVP: 2022
- Olympic Gold Medalist: 2020 (Tokyo), 2024 (Paris)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2023 (Scored a record 55 points)
- Boston Celtics Single-Game Scoring Record: 60 points in 2021
- Most Points in a Game 7: 51 points in the 2023 Playoffs