A new star is making their mark on the NBA's biggest stage. He's a hair over 3 feet tall, he can barely palm a Nerf ball, and he watches games rather than plays them.
Oh, and he's only 4 years old.
Deuce Tatum is the newest kid on the NBA's block — literally. The son of Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is following in the footsteps of former playoff darlings Riley Curry and Chris Paul Jr., basking in the spotlight with his beloved father.
MORE: Smart proves he's Boston's engine in return
Deuce has become an honorary mascot of sorts for Boston, cheering on coach Ime Udoka's side from the stands and helping bring the team together in the locker room.
Here he is dapping up some of Boston's players after the team's blowout win over the Heat in Game 2 on Thursday.
Deuce dapping up after the W. He really think he’s on the team 😂
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 20, 2022
(via @celtics)pic.twitter.com/ODZvyOdAer
And here he is spurning C's forward Grant Williams, who attempted to give him a high-five.
Deuce did Grant Williams wrong at the end 🤣
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 20, 2022
(via @Celtics) pic.twitter.com/li6GNrtE4T
It wasn't the first time Deuce had captured the league's attention. He has accompanied his dad to the podium after games, including Boston's Game 7 victory over Milwaukee in the last round.
He seems like a pretty good interview.
HES SO CUTE 😭😭 CRYIN pic.twitter.com/TemHjJOB4T
— alex🪷 (@gswsolos) May 15, 2022
He's got a flair for the dramatic, too. Here he is mocking Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
DEUCE TATUM MY FAV PERSON IN THE NBA pic.twitter.com/9kQinH6K1N
— M. (@abrownbaguette) May 15, 2022
That's pretty good form. If a career in hoops isn't in the cards, perhaps Deuce can get into acting.
It seems everyone can't get enough of Deuce right now. NBC Sports Boston made a little graphic in his most recent press conference appearance.
#MILvsBOS @NBCSportsBoston at it again with the best graphics 👌 🤣 seriously though I love Jayson Tatum and Deuce Tatum #Celtics #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/fJmI4hQ0oz
— Makenzie Tucker (@MTucker2828) May 15, 2022
Even Celtics legend Paul Pierce couldn't resist showing the little man some love. Smooth as silk.
Deuce Tatum welcoming Paul Pierce to his playground at the end of Game 7 #Celtics #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/RNZgso4lWH
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) May 16, 2022
Chris Paul was even starstruck and had to get a pic.
Here's Chris Paul going over to say hello to Jayson Tatum's family, and in particular, to have a moment with Deuce. pic.twitter.com/W8GQi4b8fr
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) April 23, 2021
A number of players have solidified their status as key figures in the league moving forward during the 2022 playoffs. Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, Jaylen Brown and Tatum come to mind. They're hurtling toward supernova brightness.
But, come the end of the postseason, few will have made as big a mark on the NBA consciousness as Deuce Tatum.
Children of NBA players stealing the show
Deuce joins a lineage of NBA heirs to take the world by storm.
Riley Curry made being an NBA kid in vogue.
Chris Paul II carried the torch for a while, too.
And more recently, Damian Lillard, Jr. has stolen the hearts of many.
The Celtics are just hoping they can ride that wave to another Larry O'Brien Trophy.
