Jayson Tatum has found joy in the spotlight as a standout player in the NBA Finals. When you catch glimpses of Tatum before or after a Celtics game, chances are he’s accompanied by his 4-year-old son, Deuce.

Deuce has become a familiar presence at Celtics games, gaining increasing popularity as Boston progresses deeper into the postseason. It’s hard not to adore Deuce and the infectious fun he brings by his father’s side.

After the Celtics’ Game 7 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, advancing them to the Eastern Conference Finals, Deuce shared the podium with his dad, excitedly expressing his readiness for a swim in Miami. Throughout the playoffs, he’s been doling out courtside high-fives—or sometimes playfully snubbing individuals—and gleefully skipping through the Boston locker room.

Despite the demanding schedule of an NBA star, Tatum ensures he goes above and beyond in his role as a father. Deuce was born just six months after Tatum was drafted third overall by the Celtics, so he’s been there for nearly every step of his father’s journey.

“In 2017 when I got drafted, I didn’t have Deuce. But he was born in 2017, so that was a big — that was the biggest year of my life,” Tatum reflected. “Starting this new chapter in my career, I just had a child. 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.”

Now, as they prepare for their first NBA Finals game together at TD Garden, Tatum acknowledges that sharing these moments with Deuce has made his journey even more special.

“I’m around him every day. 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,” Tatum remarked. “As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up.”

Tatum hopes that their relationship being in the spotlight will demonstrate to young fathers everywhere that being a dad is the most important job in the world.

“I realize that I do have a platform and things like that. If I am a role model for young fathers around the world, that’s great. I think we need more role models like that,” he expressed. “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.”

While the outcome of Game 3 of the NBA Finals reмɑιns uncertain, with the series tied 1-1, one thing is guaranteed—Deuce will be there, sharing every moment with his dad.