Jayson Tatum: Ascending to New Heights

Intro

Jayson Tatum has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. Today, he became the highest paid player in league history, signing a 5-year contract extension worth $314 million. While most know Tatum's game as a Celtic, few know his story to get there. 

Today, we dive into Jayson's background, what makes him great, and make a bold prediction for his future. 

Jayson Tatum: McDonald's All-American

Early Life and High School Career

​Jayson Tatum was born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised by his mother, Brandy Cole, Tatum's upbringing was marked by discipline and a relentless focus on education and basketball. Brandy, a practicing attorney, played a pivotal role in shaping Tatum’s character and drive. Giving birth shortly after graduating high school, Brandy had originally planned to attend the University of Tennessee on a volleyball scholarship. Instead, she attended a local college and got a part-time job to help pay the bills. 

His father, Justin Tatum, played basketball at Saint Louis University. While Jayson would hang in the locker room and go to his father's games, it was Brandy who did the majority of the parenting. 

Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he quickly established himself as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation. During his time at Chaminade, he earned numerous accolades, including the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Tatum was ranked #3 in ESPN's rankings of the top 100 seniors in the country (behind Harry Giles and Josh Jackson). 

While Tatum had multiple scholarship offers, he narrowed his choices down to three: Saint Louis, North Carolina, and Duke. 

Duke University

​Jayson Tatum chose to play college basketball at Duke University under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. During his freshman year (2016-2017), Tatum showcased his versatile skill set, averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his defensive prowess, made him a standout player in college basketball.

Despite missing the first eight games of the season due to a foot injury, Tatum's impact was immediate upon his return. He played a crucial role in leading Duke to the ACC Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Although Duke's tournament run ended in the second round, Tatum's impressive performances solidified his status as a top NBA draft prospect.

Going Pro

​In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected Jayson Tatum with the third overall pick. This decision came after the Celtics traded the first overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, who selected Markelle Fultz (Lonzo Ball would go #2). Joining a storied franchise like the Celtics placed significant expectations on the young forward.

Tatum’s rookie season exceeded all expectations. He immediately made an impact, displaying maturity and poise beyond his years. Averaging 13.9 points and 5 rebounds per game, Tatum played a key role in helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals. His performance in the playoffs was particularly noteworthy, as he averaged 18.5 points per game and played with remarkable confidence against seasoned opponents. His dunk over LeBron James in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals became an iconic moment, symbolizing his arrival on the big stage.

(Jayson Tatum dunking on Lebron below)

Sophomore Season and Continued Growth

​Tatum’s sophomore season (2018-2019) saw continued growth and development in his game. He averaged 15.7 points and 6 rebounds per game, showing improvements in his shooting and overall playmaking abilities. However, the season was marked by inconsistency, both for Tatum and the Celtics as a whole. The team faced chemistry issues and an early exit in the playoffs, leading to questions about their future direction.

Despite the challenges, Tatum’s potential remained evident. He worked tirelessly in the offseason to refine his skills, focusing on his ball-handling, shooting, and physical conditioning. This dedication paid off, as Tatum entered the 2019-2020 season ready to take on a larger role.

Breakout Season & Becoming an All-Star

​The 2019-2020 season marked Jayson Tatum’s breakout year. He elevated his game to new heights, averaging 23.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His improved shooting efficiency and ability to create his own shot made him one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league. Tatum’s performances earned him his first NBA All-Star selection, a testament to his emergence as a premier player.

One of the defining moments of Tatum’s season was his performance in February 2020, where he averaged 30.7 points per game and was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month. His scoring outbursts, including a career-high 41 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, showcased his ability to take over games and lead his team to victory.

The Celtics, with Tatum as their centerpiece, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals once again. Although they fell short against the Miami Heat, Tatum’s playoff performances solidified his status as a future superstar. He averaged 25.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in the playoffs, demonstrating his all-around impact.

Continued Ascension and Leadership

​In the 2020-2021 season, Tatum continued to build on his success. He posted career-high averages of 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection. Despite battling COVID-19 and its lingering effects, Tatum displayed resilience and determination, leading the Celtics through a challenging season.

Tatum’s leadership qualities began to shine during this period. As one of the team’s primary leaders, he took on more responsibility, both on and off the court. His ability to lead by example, coupled with his growing vocal presence in the locker room, earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

One of the highlights of Tatum’s season was his 60-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs, tying Larry Bird’s franchise record for the most points in a single game. This achievement underscored his scoring prowess and ability to perform at an elite level.

Playing Style

​Jayson Tatum’s playing style is characterized by his versatility and smooth offensive game. Standing at 6’8” with a wingspan of 6’11”, Tatum possesses the physical attributes to excel in multiple positions. A career 37.5% 3pt shooter, Tatum's ability to spread the floor, while taking smaller players inside, makes him an extremely tough cover. 

Tatum is known for his polished mid-range game, often drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce. His ability to score off the dribble, coupled with his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations, makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. 

Defensively, Tatum is equally impactful. His length and athleticism enable him to guard multiple positions effectively. He has a keen sense of timing for blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes, contributing to his status as a two-way player.

This past season (2023-2024), Tatum's points per game actually went down, but the Celtics led the NBA in wins. Despite being only 26 years old, Tatum's maturity and "team first" mentality were a big part of why Boston was able to win this year's NBA Championship. 

Off the Court: Philanthropy and Personal Life

Beyond basketball, Tatum has made significant contributions off the court. He established the Jayson Tatum Foundation, which focuses on empowering and supporting young people in St. Louis and Boston. The foundation provides educational resources, mentorship programs, and basketball camps, aiming to inspire the next generation.

Tatum’s dedication to his community extends to social justice initiatives. He has been vocal about issues such as racial inequality and police reform, using his platform to advocate for change. His involvement in these causes reflects his commitment to making a positive impact beyond basketball.

Tatum also has several meaningful endorsement deals. His first signature shoe, The Tatum 1 from Nike, was launched in February of 2023. In March of 2024, the Tatum 2 was released to much fanfare. In addition, Subway, Gatorade, Ruffles, and NBA2K call him a spokesperson

In his personal life, Tatum is a proud father to his son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr. The bond between Tatum and his son is well-documented, with Deuce often seen cheering for his father at games. Tatum’s role as a father has been a significant source of motivation, driving him to excel both as a player and a person.

Nike's Tatum 2

Future Prospects and Legacy

At just 26 years old, Jayson Tatum is entering his 8th NBA season already!

As Celtics general manager, Brad Stevens, voiced during the NBA Playoffs: people forget about how young this guy is because he was so good at an early age. 

Tatum’s legacy in the NBA will likely be defined by his ability to lead the Celtics to continued championship success. With Jaylen Brown under contract and Boston's resigning of another key piece, Derrick White, I think Boston could have a magical two to four years ahead. 

Look for Tatum to win at least one more title before the age of 30. 

​For 10 minutes of uninterrupted JT highlights, check out this video: 

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