Jayson Tatum is an American basketball player who is currently donning the iconic green jersey for the Boston Celtics. During his remarkable journey in the NBA, Tatum has proven himself as a beacon of success, never missing the playoffs in his first six seasons.
Since entering the league in 2017 as the 3rd overall pick in the 1st round, Tatum has established himself as one of the premier wing players in the league, a true two-way force. His basketball acumen and all-around game sense shine brightly on both ends of the court. On defense, he effortlessly locks down opponents with his quickness and defensive awareness, and on the offensive front, Tatum's repertoire is nothing short of dazzling – from deadly catch-and-shoot moments to silky-smooth one-dribble pull-up jumpers, reminiscent of his idol, Kobe Bryant.
Tatum's impact has been a transformative force for the Celtics, elevating them to perennial contenders. He has been a five-time All-Star, two-time First Team All-NBA member, and once Third Team All-NBA. He won the first-ever Eastern Conference Finals MVP title and reached the NBA Finals in 2022, a testament to his leadership and ability to elevate his game on the grandest stage. His exceptional performances led the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA Championship in 2024.
Jayson Tatum College Career
Jayson Tatum had a brief yet impactful college career at Duke University during the 2016–17 season. Prior to the commencement of the 2016-17 college season, Tatum faced a setback, missing eight games due to a foot injury. However, once he set foot on the court, he promptly justified his recruitment as the No. 2 small forward in the nation. Tatum played a pivotal role in leading the Blue Devils to a commendable 5th seed in the ACC tournament.
His standout performances in the ACC tournament further solidified his reputation. Tatum delivered a stellar performance, scoring 24 points in a crucial win over arch-rivals North Carolina in the semifinals. Later, he scored 19 points and grabbed 8 boards to lead Duke against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and clinching the ACC tournament championship.
In the subsequent NCAA tournament, Duke secured the No. 2 seed. Despite a first-round victory against Troy University, Duke faced an unexpected early exit with a second-round loss to South Carolina. Tatum's individual contributions were notable, averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the tournament.
In his one-and-done freshman season at Duke, Tatum played 29 games, showcasing an impressive stat line with averages of 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. These stellar performances earned him recognition, as he was named to the ACC All-Freshman team and garnered a third-team All-ACC selection.
After a successful stint at Duke, Jayson Tatum made the leap to the NBA, leaving a lasting legacy as a dynamic player who laid the groundwork for a promising professional career. His time at Duke served as a glimpse into the extraordinary talent that would soon grace the highest levels of basketball.
At Duke, Tatum played alongside several future NBA talents like Harry Giles, Luke Kennard, Frank Jackson and Grayson Allen.
FAQs
A. Jayson Tatum's mother is Brandy Cole. His father is Justin Tatum.
A. Deuce Christopher Tatum Jr. is the son of Jayson Tatum and his former girlfriend Toriah Lachell.
A. In the 2024/25 season, Jayson Tatum earns $34,848,340.
A. Jayson Tatum height is 6 feet 8 inches and weighs around 95 kg (210 lb).
A. Jayson Tatum has a wingspan of 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm).
A. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the All-Star Forward has a net worth of around $80 Million as of August 2024.