Is Jayson Tatum Manifesting a Father-Son NBA Duo with Deuce?
The NBA just witnessed history with LeBron James and his son, Bronny, sharing the court. It was a feel-good story, a testament to LeBron’s insane longevity and a new milestone for family legacies in sports. Of course, now that the seal is broken, everyone’s wondering who’s next. Enter Jayson Tatum, who seems to think he and his son, Deuce, could be the next father-son act to grace the NBA hardwood. And honestly, the math isn’t as crazy as you might think.
During an appearance on the Morris Code podcast, Tatum laid out the timeline. “He turned eight, I’m 27. It’s like damn, can I play 10 more years? I can easily do that,” he mused. “So if it works out, it would be cool.”
“Cool” might be the understatement of the year. For fans who have watched Deuce grow up from a baby at Duke games to the unofficial mascot of the Boston Celtics, seeing him actually suit up alongside his dad would be surreal. We’ve seen Deuce photobombing post-game interviews and charming the media for years. The idea of him one day checking into a game with his old man is the kind of long-form storytelling sports fans live for.
Can Tatum Actually Pull This Off?
Let’s get into the weeds here. If Deuce, who is eight, enters the league at the typical “one-and-done” age of 19, that means Jayson Tatum needs to keep playing at a high level for another 11 years. By then, he’d be 38 years old. Is that realistic? For a player of Tatum’s caliber, absolutely.
Tatum isn’t just some role player hoping to cling to a roster spot in his late 30s. He’s a perennial All-NBA talent, and his game, built on skill and finesse rather than pure athleticism, is the kind that ages like fine wine. We’ve seen countless stars extend their careers well past their athletic prime. LeBron James is the most obvious, superhuman example, still dominating at age 40. But even more conventional stars have shown it’s possible.
The biggest obstacle, as always, is health. Tatum is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles he suffered during the 2025 playoffs. It’s a brutal, potentially career-altering injury. While modern medicine has made comebacks more feasible, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly a long-term plan can get derailed. Tatum himself seems optimistic but realistic, acknowledging the long recovery ahead. Assuming he makes a full recovery and avoids other catastrophic injuries, playing another decade is well within the realm of possibility.
Following in the Footsteps of King James
The parallels between Tatum and LeBron‘s fatherhood journeys are almost uncanny. Both became fathers at 19, just as their NBA careers were taking off. This shared experience gives Tatum a clear blueprint to follow. He’s seen firsthand what it takes to maintain an elite level of play while raising a son who might one day join the league.
When LeBron and Bronny finally shared the court, it was more than a gimmick; it was the culmination of a lifelong dream for LeBron. Tatum seems to be channeling that same energy, manifesting a future where he can create his own legacy with Deuce. It’s a powerful motivation that could drive him through the grueling rehab and the inevitable grind of the back half of his career.
During his recovery, Tatum shared a touching moment where his son’s belief helped him battle self-doubt. He told People magazine about asking Deuce if he thought his dad could come back from the injury. Deuce’s confident “of course” was a much-needed boost. “I really needed that,” Tatum admitted. “My son thinks I can do anything.” With that kind of support system, you have to believe he’s got an extra source of fuel to keep going.
So, while it’s still a decade-long pipe dream, the idea of a Tatum and Tatum Jr. backcourt isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s a legitimate possibility, backed by Tatum’s age, skill set, and sheer determination. For now, he has to focus on getting back on the court. But you can bet that somewhere in the back of his mind, he’s picturing a box score from the year 2035 with two Tatums in it. And for basketball fans, that’s a pretty cool thought.
