NBA Star Jayson Tatum Celebrates Son 'Deuce' On His 5th Birthday

Wherever NBA star Jayson Tatum is, his son Deuce isn't too far behind. Today, Tatum, 24, celebrates his son's fifth birthday with a loving tribute on social media.

The NBA forward welcomed his son when he was just 19 years old with his ex-girlfriend Toriah Lachell. He was born only six months after he was drafted by the Celtics. Deuce has become a favorite of the Celtics and their fans and can often be found at his dad's games cheering him on.

Tatum talked about his mindset becoming a father just after beginning his NBA career at a press conference earlier this year. "I think 2017 when I got drafted, I didn't have Deuce, but he was born in 2017 so that was big, that was the biggest year of my life, right?," he said. "Starting this new chapter in my career, I just had a child." He continued explaining that he planned to be the best father and basketball player as he could be. "My mindset was not to sacrifice either, that I was going to be the best father as I could as well as the best basketball player," he said. "There was no guideline or there was no exact way to do it. It was all about what was natural."

The father-son duo spends a lot of time together. Tatum said he just does what's natural. "I think being able to go through this journey together, because I was 19 when I got drafted, it's kind of like we're growing up together," he said. "As he's gotten older, I'm going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up. I think it's the coolest part for me."

The Celtics' star also talked about the importance of being a role model to other working fathers given his platform as an NBA player. "I think we need more role models like that," he said. "Just to have more male fathers be present and things like that, show that you can do both, regardless of whenever you work, whatever your profession is."

The Celtics' star shares photos and videos of his son often on social media. In one recent Instagram post captioned, "My real life bodyguard," fans can see just how close the two are as Deuce stands guard as his father talks to press after a game.

Other social media posts show the two working out together, playing basketball, vacationing and dressing alike. Many of their photos together take place at NBA games.

Deuce is truly Tatum's sidekick. When he signed his contract extension in 2020, his little man was right next to him. "It’s Official! Couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity 🙏🏽. Just knowing where I come from I don’t take anything for granted and living in this moment is a dream come true! Know Deuce gone be with me every step of the way🤞🏽 @celtics let’s run it up☘️🗣🤘🏽" he captioned his photo of the exciting moment.