Early Life and Education of Jayson Tatum: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jayson Tatum. From birth to education, explore key events.
Jayson Tatum is a prominent American professional basketball player currently with the Boston Celtics. A McDonald's All-American in high school, he played college basketball at Duke University before being drafted third overall by the Celtics in 2017. Tatum was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018. He earned the inaugural NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP award in 2022, and secured his first NBA championship title in the 2024 NBA Finals, solidifying his status as a key player for the Celtics.
1980: Larry Bird
Jayson Tatum became the first Celtics rookie to score 25 or more points in a playoff game since Larry Bird during the 1980 NBA playoffs, also against the 76ers.
November 1989: Larry Bird
Tatum and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls became the second pair of players in the 2020–21 season to score 50+ points on the same day, since Bird did so back in November 1989.
March 3, 1998: Jayson Tatum Born
On March 3, 1998, Jayson Christopher Tatum was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
1999: Kobe Bryant
After posting 21 points in a Game 2 108–103 victory, Tatum became the youngest player ever to score at least 20 points in four straight playoff games at the age of 20 years, 61 days, surpassing Kobe Bryant who accomplished that feat during the 1999 NBA playoffs at the age of 20 years, 272 days.
2013: MCC Co-Player of the Year
In 2013, as a freshman, Jayson Tatum averaged 13.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game and was named 2013 Metro Catholic Conference (MCC) Co-Player of the Year, leading the Red Devils to both MCC and Missouri District 2 crowns.
2014: Sophomore Season Stats
In 2014, as a sophomore, Jayson Tatum averaged 26.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.
2015: AAU and EYBL Circuit Success
In 2015, Jayson Tatum joined the St. Louis Eagles AAU team and competed in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Circuit, leading in scoring with 26.5 points per game. His team reached the Nike Peach Jam championship game.
March 30, 2016: McDonald's All-American Game Selection
On March 30, 2016, Jayson Tatum was selected to the 2016 McDonald's All-American Game, where he led the East Team in scoring with 18 points.
2016: Missouri Class 5A State Championship
During the 2015-2016 season, as a senior, Jayson Tatum averaged 29.6 points and 9.1 rebounds, leading Chaminade to its second Missouri Class 5A state championship.
2016: Jaylen Brown
In 2016, Jaylen Brown, whom Tatum formed a duo with, was the Celtics' consecutive No. 3 pick for a small forward.
2016: High School Recruit Ranking
In 2016, Jayson Tatum was rated a five-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit in the high school class.
2016: Duke Blue Devils
In 2016-17 Jayson Tatum played his freshman season for Duke, averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game and being named to the ACC All-Freshman team and a third-team All-ACC selection.
January 4, 2017: Victory over Georgia Tech
On January 4, 2017, Jayson Tatum scored 19 points in a 110-57 victory over Georgia Tech.
October 17, 2017: NBA Debut
On October 17, 2017, Jayson Tatum recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in his NBA debut as the team's starting power forward.
2017: Enters NBA Draft
At the end of his freshman season, Tatum opted to enter the 2017 NBA draft as a one-and-done, where he was projected as a first-round selection.
2017: Traded to Celtics
In 2017, Danny Ainge traded the team's No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft to the Philadelphia 76ers for the third overall pick, which the Celtics used to select Jayson Tatum.
2017: Became Spokesperson for Imo's Pizza
In 2017, Jayson Tatum became a spokesperson for Imo's Pizza.
2017: Birth of son, Jayson Jr.
In 2017, Jayson Tatum's son, Jayson Jr. (nicknamed "Deuce"), was born.
April 15, 2018: Playoff Debut
On April 15, 2018, in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, Jayson Tatum recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, marking his playoff debut.
October 16, 2018: Season-Opening Victory
On October 16, 2018, during the season-opening 105–87 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Jayson Tatum recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
February 5, 2019: Victory Over Cleveland Cavaliers
On February 5, 2019, Jayson Tatum recorded 25 points and seven rebounds in a 103–96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
June 21, 2019: Signed with Jordan Brand
On June 21, 2019, Jayson Tatum signed an endorsement deal with the Jordan Brand.
2019: Purchased Mansion in Newton, Massachusetts
In 2019, Jayson Tatum purchased a mansion and took up residence in Newton, Massachusetts.
December 23, 2020: Game Winning Shot
On December 23, 2020, Tatum totaled 30 points and seven rebounds, alongside a game-winning three-pointer.
January 3, 2021: Career High Assist
On January 3, 2021, he had 24 points and a career-high 12 assists and made another game-winning shot in a narrow 122–120 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
February 2024: Partnered with SoFi to Help People Buy Homes
In February 2024, Jayson Tatum partnered with SoFi to help people buy homes in St. Louis, with SoFi donating $1 million to his foundation. He also discussed their efforts to boost home ownership and financial literacy on CBS News in February 2024.
July 1, 2024: Tatum signs record-breaking contract extension
On July 1, 2024, Jayson Tatum signed a five-year contract extension potentially worth up to $314 million, becoming the richest deal in NBA history, surpassing his teammate Jaylen Brown's extension.
2024: Had First Child With Ella Mai
In 2024, Jayson Tatum and singer-songwriter Ella Mai welcomed their first child together.
