Following in His Father’s Footsteps: Jayson Tatum and Deuce Form the Dynamic Duo Boston Has Long Anticipated

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum isn’t the sole basketball player in the household. His six-year-old son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr., is poised to follow in his famous father’s footsteps. “He just started playing basketball on an organized team,” Tatum shared exclusively with PEOPLE while discussing his new role as an ambassador for Coach. “So he’s really starting to fall in love with the game. It’s exciting to see that.”

Fans of the Celtics are already acquainted with Deuce, who, according to Tatum, also has a fondness for Spider-Man (indicating he has a set routine!). Deuce can often be spotted on the sidelines at his dad’s NBA games, donning Celtics green or a miniature version of his father’s jersey, enthusiastically cheering for the Boston team. Tatum mentioned to PEOPLE that Deuce even selects his own attire for game days, following his father’s stylish lead. “His favorite thing is to look in the mirror and be like, ‘Daddy, look, I’m fresh-fresh,'” Tatum shared. “He says that now that he’s gotten older. His personality is starting to grow. He’s taking more ownership in the things he wants to wear.”

Tatum, aged 26, who has been part of the NBA since 2017, also aims to impart valuable lessons to Deuce through his basketball career and other endeavors, including his recent collaboration with Coach. As an ambassador, he’s involved in a campaign with the slogan “Courage to Be Real,” which he emphasized is crucial to him in maintaining authenticity in his daily life, regardless of his pursuits. “In this industry, there’s so many ways I guess you could be lost,” he expressed. “I think staying true to your roots and being organic and being yourself is so important.”