Basketball is usually about the box score. Points, rebounds, blocks—the stuff that wins championships and builds legacies. But if you’ve spent any time watching the Boston Celtics over the last few years, you know the most important stat in TD Garden isn’t Jayson Tatum’s shooting percentage. Honestly, it’s the "Deuce Factor."
Jayson Tatum and Deuce have become the unofficial face of the NBA’s next generation of fatherhood. It’s not just a cute sideline gimmick. It’s a foundational part of how one of the league’s biggest stars navigates the pressure of being the guy in Boston.
The Rookie and the Newborn
Let’s rewind to 2017. Jayson was 19. He was a skinny rookie out of Duke trying to find his footing in a city that demands perfection. Then, on December 6, 2017—just a month into his professional career—Jayson "Deuce" Christopher Tatum Jr. arrived.
Most 19-year-olds are figuring out how to do their own laundry. Jayson was figuring out how to guard LeBron James while changing diapers. He’s been vocal about this. He often says they’ve basically "grown up together."
That bond is visible every single game night. While other superstars arrive with a massive security detail or a fashion-forward entourage, Jayson usually walks in holding a small hand. Deuce, now seven years old, isn't just a spectator. He’s a fixture.
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Why the Fans Are Obsessed
Celtics fans are notoriously tough. They booed the selection of Jaylen Brown. They’ve run legends out of town. But Deuce? He’s untouchable. He’s the "real superstar in Boston," as his dad jokingly (but maybe not really) told reporters.
Think about the 2024 NBA Finals.
The image of Jayson lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy was iconic, sure. But the image of Deuce running onto the court, buried in green confetti, to jump into his dad’s arms? That’s what hit the soul of the city. It humanized a player who can sometimes seem stoic or robotic on the court.
More Than Just a Mascot
Deuce isn't just there for the cameras. He’s active. You’ll see him:
- Doing pre-game warmups with Steph Curry (yes, that happened).
- Giving "mean mugs" to teammates like Marcus Smart.
- Picking out his own "fresh-fresh" outfits for game day.
- Helping his dad choose illustrators for his children’s book, Baby Dunks a Lot.
That last part is actually pretty cool. Jayson didn't just put his name on a book; he let his son have a seat at the table. It shows a level of respect for the kid’s perspective that most parents—let alone celebrity ones—don't always manage.
The Co-Parenting Reality
There’s always a lot of chatter online about Jayson’s personal life. People wonder if he’s a single dad or what the deal is. To set the record straight: he co-parents with Toriah Lachell, his high school girlfriend.
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They aren't together, but by all accounts, they’re a team. Toriah moved to the Boston area and runs a successful hair salon. Jayson’s mom, Brandy Cole, is also a massive part of the equation, often living with them to help manage the chaos of an 82-game season.
It’s a village. It’s modern. It’s effective.
What Jayson Tatum and Deuce Teach Us About the NBA
The "old school" NBA was about grit and keeping your family life behind a curtain. You played, you left, you stayed a mystery. Jayson flipped that script.
By bringing Deuce into the locker room, into post-game press conferences, and onto the court during the national anthem, he’s showing that being a "young dad" isn't a distraction. It’s a superpower. It gives him a "why" that goes beyond the paycheck.
The 2024-2025 season saw Jayson playing some of his most efficient basketball. He looks calmer. He looks like a guy who knows that no matter if he goes 4-for-20 or 15-for-20, there’s a seven-year-old waiting for a high-five at the tunnel.
Lessons from the Sideline
- Presence matters: Jayson is rarely seen at a home game without Deuce nearby.
- Vulnerability is strength: Sharing the highs and lows of a career with a child builds a unique resilience.
- Balance is a myth, but integration is possible: Jayson doesn't try to separate "NBA Star" from "Dad." He merges them.
The Next Chapter
Deuce is already playing organized basketball. In March 2024, Jayson mentioned that his son is "starting to fall in love with the game." Whether he becomes a pro himself doesn't really matter to the fans. They’ve already watched him grow from a toddler in the "bubble" to a kid who can probably out-dribble most of us.
If you want to follow their journey more closely, keep an eye on the Celtics' social media during home games at TD Garden. Pay attention to the tunnel walk—that’s where the best moments happen. For parents looking to emulate that bond, the takeaway is simple: just show up. Jayson Tatum might be a multi-millionaire athlete, but his best move is simply being there for the kid.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents:
- Watch the Pre-Game: Most of the best Jayson Tatum and Deuce moments happen 60-90 minutes before tip-off during warmups.
- Check the Footwear: Jayson often has Deuce-inspired colorways or even his son’s name written on his Jordan sneakers.
- Focus on the "Why": Like Tatum, identify a personal motivator outside of your professional goals to help maintain perspective during high-pressure seasons.