Jayson Tatum is talking candidly about being an NBA father.

As a guest author for the NBA’s Starting 5 newsletter, the 29-year-old Boston Celtics player discussed juggling his professional athletic career with raising his 5-year-old son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Jr.

Tatum said, “The best part about being his dad in season is the games,” acknowledging that he feels privileged to spend some wonderful times with his little kid. We have a strong relationship because of it.” 

“He enjoys going to the game, hаnging out at the Garden, watching me play, and playing in the locker room. Since we grew up in the Garden together, it has been incredible to see him mature over the years and evolve as a person,” the pleased father said.

Tatum said that it might be difficult to prioritize his job above his family life at times, especially when it means missing his son’s birthday.

“Missing his birthday is tough, depending on our itinerary. I missed a couple years of celebrating his birthday with him. In addition, we are traveling and can’t attend every school function or basketball practice,” he said. It’s still difficult for me to cope with, even though this is my seventh season, since you never want to miss such things. They mature so quickly.”

When they are together, Tatum always starts his day with Deuce, regardless of whether basketball is in season.

“Now Deuce is in school, so there are days when I am waking up at 6:30 am to get up and get him dressed and ready for school, regardless of my responsibilities for the day because I know how important it is to him for me to take him to school,” he said.

“Being a dad is the most important thing to me, so no matter what my schedule is, I will always find time to spend with him and some of my favorite memories come from our car rides.”

When Tatum has his months off, the two also like going on plenty of activities together. “Vacations and trips back home to St. Louis with Deuce are best enjoyed during the off-season. We get to go outside the nation, visit beaches, and spend the whole day swimming during the off-season, which he adores.”

“It’s a great feeling, as a parent, knowing that I can help provide the things for my son and show him the world in a way that I didn’t get to as a child,” Tatum said. In addition, I want to bring him back home and include him in my basketball camps, back-to-school giveaways, and golf tournament for my foundation. Even at his early age, I think it’s crucial that he participates in giving back to the community.”

Deuce, Tatum’s kid, was born when he was 19 and has since become a major star for the Celtics and other NBA players. Deuce is shared by Tatum and his ex-girlfriend Toriah Lachell.

The NBA player spoke about his strong relationship with his kid and his position as a role model for parents during a news conference last year.

“I believe that the biggest year of my life was 2017, the year I was picked. I didn’t have Deuce, but it was significant since he was born in that year. I just had a kid, and I’m starting this new phase in my career,” Tatum said.

“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 were no instructions or precise methods to follow. It ultimately came down to what was organic.”

“I simply act in a normal way. I spend every day with him. Since I was 19 when I was drafted, I believe that being able to go through this experience together is similar to us growing up together,” Tatum went on. “As he’s gotten older, I’m pursuing my career, and we’re growing up together while sharing these moments.” For me, that’s the most exciting aspect.”