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5 Times Deuce Tatum Was a Bigger Star Than His Dad

By Annika Caniza - November 15, 2022

Jayson Tatum’s son Deuce Tatum has become the Boston Celtics’ unofficial mascot, taking the hearts of the team’s fans all over the world.

Jayson Tatum is arguably among the best players in the NBA. He is a three-time NBA All-Star, he made the All-NBA First Team, and he led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals this year. At only 24 years old, he’s become a star.

But his son, only five years old, may just be an even bigger star already.

Jayson Tatum Jr., better known as Deuce Tatum, is perhaps the most popular kid in the NBA (sorry, Riley Curry). He is frequently seen at games, at the Celtics’ training, and on his dad’s social media accounts. With the amount of attention he gets, many even refer to him as the Celtics’ unofficial mascot. And on most days, gets more attention than his dad—even when Jayson scores over 30 points in a game.

Here are five moments where Deuce Tatum was a bigger star than his dad.

1. Deuce’s style game is strong

Although Celtics star Jayson Tatum may be known for his street-style pre-game outfits, his son Deuce Tatum dappers up on another level.

Deuce Tatum
From Jayson Tatum’s Instagram.
Deuce Tatum
From Jayson Tatum’s Instagram.

Look at how he poses for the camera—Deuce just knows that he’s a star.

2. When everyone wants Deuce’s congratulations

After Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat last season, Deuce walked through the locker room handing out his congratulations to the team on the win. But apparently, he didn’t feel that everyone deserved a high-five.

It seems everyone wants a stamp of approval from Deuce Tatum—but not everyone can get it. This five-year-old has high standards.

But eventually, Grant Williams finally did get Deuce’s approval.

3. When he turned his dad into a basketball hoop

Deuce doesn’t care that his dad’s warming up for an important game—if he wants to shoot hoops, he’s gonna shoot hoops!

The kid’s got game.

4. The media can’t get enough

Deuce steals the show every single time he joins his dad’s interviews. Literally. And every time he’s on the mic, best believe he’s got all the ears.

I don’t know about you, but as soon as Deuce stole the mic, I completely forgot everything Jayson Tatum Sr. said about the game.

And even when Deuce doesn’t say anything, he still manages to outshine his dad.

5. Like a true celebrity, everyone wants a pic

Deuce Tatum is such a star that when he’s spotted on courtside at games, the Celtics fans frequently call for his attention and take photos of him like the true celebrity he is.

But it isn’t only the fans from Boston who love Deuce. Even other NBA stars are starstruck to meet the C’s little mascot, like Chris Paul here who needed to take a photo with him.

Deuce Tatum is without a doubt one of the most lovable characters in the NBA. Trailing his dad like a shadow, stealing the show on and off the court, and capturing all the fans with his personality—he really is a star.

But, even though JT lets him steal his thunder on most days, he’s not going to let little Deuce off that easy. After all, he still has the height advantage (for now).

Banner image from Jayson Tatum on Instagram.


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