While we will be happy to admit this is something of an overstatement given it was on a toy basketball basket, and Deuce has probably yet to reach 3-foot-0 in shoes, it’s an adorable sequence, and easy to see why the younger Tatum often steals the elder’s fire in media events — not that Jayson minds at all. The devoted father revels in his son and seems to enjoy sharing that with us as well.
Not that we’re complaining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NPMtlchWG8
Watch the clip above to see the dunk for yourself posted on YouTube by fan videographer Bilen — one day in the distant future we might look back on this as a watershed moment.
The All-NBA swingman managed to find one of the best salves for a tough loss to a lesser Detroit Pistons squad by getting in some family time with his kid, singing a tune together over Deuce’s … karaoke system? P.A. system? — we aren’t entirely sure what Deuce was using to amplify his voice, or even what the song they were singing was, but if the video embedded below doesn’t make you feel a little less stressed out about the Celtics, you probably need a nap.
Check it out for yourself and try not to get too frustrated, things ought to be turning around soon as the schedule gets a little less hectic and intense.
Jayson Tatum’s son and mother have cleared quarantine, and will be in the audience for Game 1 against the Miami Heat.
While there’s been no definitive research we’re aware of, we like to think Jayson Tatum finds another gear when his son Deuce and his mom Brandy Cole are in the audience.
So, news the youngest member of the family and his grandmother have cleared quarantine at the Disney restart ought to put some pep in the Duke product’s step.
Asked his thoughts on how his son is adapting to life in the bubble, Tatum opened up on his son’s situation.
“It’s still tough for him to understand what’s going on, but he knows somehow, some way he’ll see me tomorrow,” Tatum shared Monday. “He’s excited about that.”
The St. Louis native’s only child is the darling of his fans, at times outshining even his father’s stellar glow when the cameras train on the toddler.
As to whether Tatum believes in the familial boost having his blood in the stands cheering him on, the former Blue Devil is a believer.
“It’ll make all the difference; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him or my mom,” Tatum explained. “Just to have some familiar faces in the crowd and share the experience will be very helpful.”
For those of you looking for a research project with an interest in testing this hypothesis, tip-off starts at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
It’s not all fun and games in the Disney restart ‘bubble’ for All-Star Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, away from his young son Deuce.
With all of the videos of Boston Celtics players enjoying themselves in the Disney ‘bubble’ dancing, swimming, playing golf or bowling coming out, you’d think it was the easiest thing in the world to take part in.
But that view takes for granted the people these players have had to leave behind — wives, girlfriends, and kids in particular, many of whom aren’t quite old enough to understand why their father will be gone so long.
And All-Star swingman Jayson Tatum definitely fits the latter category in particular with his young son Deuce, which he spoke about at length in a recent appearance on fellow Duke alumnus J.J. Redick’s “Old Man and the Three” podcast.
Asked what the toughest part of the Disney restart had been so far, the Missouri native replied, “I would easily say just being away from my family.”
“I know a lot of people have wives and kids and family situations at home, but I think that’s the toughest part for me because you go from being around your kid all the time and especially during the pandemic. I was with him every day without traveling, and then now having to go, this is the longest I’ve ever been without spending time with him.”
The toughest part for me is he’ll be three in December — he’s two and a half. And anybody that has kids know that when they’re that young … their development is week to week,” added the former Blue Devil.
WATCH: Enes Kanter, Boston Celtics go bowling in the Disney ‘bubble’ https://t.co/F4GMNakn2j
The sacrifice of players like Tatum and his teammates Gordon Hayward, Brad Wanamaker, Daniel Theis and Javonte Green — all parents with young children — is not a small one, and should be recognized as such.
“He’s getting taller, his habits are changing, he’s doing different things. He’s, he’s talking more. And for me, wishing I could be there and experience all of that, which I normally would have in the first two years. Now I happen to see videos and talk to [Deuce] over FaceTime. He’s not old enough where I can explain, ‘Hey, Daddy’s going away for three months, and I won’t be able to see you’. I can’t have that because he’s not old enough.”
“If he was four I think it would be easier; he would have a better understanding,” Tatum added.
So, while it’s easy to look at the paycheck and backdrop and think these guys have got it made, it doesn’t come without a cost.
They are literally risking their health and lives — and more importantly, time with their loved ones in a moment of global crisis — to entertain us.
And while they are indeed compensated well for their sacrifice, let’s keep the human side of the equation in mind as well.
A number of prominent persons in the wider Boston Celtics family were ‘present’ as virtual fans in the contest vs. Portland Sunday.
In trying to make up for the lack of fans in the audience at the games being played in Disney’s NBA restart being held at the Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, the league has introduced 17-foot video screens with virtual fans made possible by a partnership with Microsoft and Michelob Ultra.
And in Sunday afternoon’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, a number of some of the Celtics’ biggest fans were part of the virtual audience.
We saw recently-retired Boston legend Paul Pierce cheering from the sidelines, and Deuce Tatum “close” by, watching his dad wreck shop in a fresh new haircut.
Paul Pierce is among the virtual fans behind the Celtics bench 👏
Kemba Walker’s mom Andrea — normally a staple at in-person home games — was present, as was reserve guard Brad Wanamaker’s daughter.
I spot Kemba Walker’s mom in the left corner and Brad Wanamaker’s daughter on the right. Pretty cool that players can look up and see their families! https://t.co/VOBlRiCmZs
While some of the ‘enhancements’ the NBA has added to address the unusual circumstances created by having a season in the midst of a pandemic have proven dubious (the crowd noise is just creepy, overwhelming and fake sounding, for example), this wrinkle is actually pretty cool (and also a little creepy).
Jayson Tatum's son, Deuce, and Paul Pierce making an appearance in the Celtics' virtual fan section ☘️ pic.twitter.com/ZZz8rEwO2c
Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum spent Father’s Day penning a letter to his son Deuce, and sharing a good book with him.
Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum loves being a father, and on this Father’s Day, it shows.
The young dad penned his son Deuce a letter for the holiday that the NBA’s Twitter account circulated in a tweet Sunday, and while his son is too young to read it yet, it was more a letter to be read in the future.
“I was asked to write you a letter for Father’s Day, it is much tougher than I expected,” began the Duke product. “You’re just barely over 2 and there is so much I want to share with you but I’ll keep it short.”
“You have changed my life for the better, and have shaped me into a better man as I hope to do the same with you as you grow older. I love you more than life itself, I can’t wait to see you grow into the leader you were destined to be, and create positive change in this world in your own way. And as you maneuver through it all, know that I will always be there to guide you, support you and know that you are never alone because I will ALWAYS have your back.”
“That’s all for now, love you son! Sincerely, Daddy,” he closed.
The St. Louis native also made time for a story for Deuce, a regular, cherished experience in the Tatum household, especially now that Jayson is home more than usual.
Storytime with Deuce is so important, especially now that I’m home more than usual. I’m soaking up this extra time with him. Thanks @MetroByTMobile for bringing one of my favorite parts of parenthood to life. I’m a happy dad this Father’s Day! #RuleYourDay#Ad 📖: @LadyGraceByerspic.twitter.com/vUZXdz92lO
The “book” is a tablet with the tale of the hour being “I Believe I Can,” by Grace Byers. It’s an excellent choice for broadening the aspirations of kids, and the narrator adds his own flair as the pair sit on a (predictably) Blue Devil-themed bunk bed.
