Justin Tatum: Force Behind Jayson Tatum's Success [2023 Update]

Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s 1-word reaction to his father getting NBL head coaching job

Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum had one word to say in response to his father getting an NBL head coaching job

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum had a single-word reaction to his father’s latest promotion:

“Congrats.”

The congratulations are well deserved, as Justin Tatum has been named interim head coach of the NBL’s Illawarra Hawks. The club announced on Tuesday morning that coach Jacob Jackomas would not see out the remainder of the season after opening the campaign with a 2-7 record, following last season’s 3-25 bottom-placed finish.

Tatum, the 44-year-old father of the Celtics superstar, arrived at the club earlier this year in a scouting and special advisory position, and the franchise believes he is the type of character that can help the team correct course

Jayson and Justin Tatum

Justin played high school basketball at St. Louis Christian College High School and won a state title with the team in 1997. During his college career at St. Louis University, he was named the Conference USA First Team All-Defense player.

His basketball career eventually took him overseas to the Netherlands. Jayson was just a kid then, and the young boy did not see his father much for some time. The Celtics star was eight when his father Justin returned from Europe to Missouri because of injury.

Who is Justin Tatum? Father of Celtics star Jayson Tatum joins coaching staff of NBL's Illawarra Hawks | Sporting News Australia

NBA fans are well aware of Jayson Tatum’s feats with the Celtics but may not know that his father was the one coaching him up as a kid. Tatum later elaborated on the hire, according to Bobby Krivitsky of SportsMap Radio:

“Yeah, I found out last night. I’m extremely happy for him and proud of him. That’s a big step. I know he’s trying to build his resume and his coaching career. Won multiple state titles in high school. Different teams. Been over in Australia for the last four months and is now the head coach of the Hawks. I’m excited for him and looking forward to him kind of turning that organization around.”

Illawarra’s first game under Tatum will come on Sunday, November 19 when the Hawks travel to take on the Breakers at Spark Arena.

His son’s next game takes place on Wednesday as the Celtics travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers.

Who is Jayson Tatum’s Dad? Celtics All-Star’s Father is Coaching NBA’s 2024 Top Prospect in Australia

Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ star player, became the youngest player to score 10,000 points for the franchise on November 5. The Boston Celtics’ win over the Brooklyn Nets followed the streak on Saturday. On Tatum’s journey from self-doubt to becoming the face of the franchise, one man is held in high regard and that is his father, Justin.

Tatum himself hasn’t had the opportunity to give his father the credit he deserves for gifting him with such enhanced basketball skills. However, his father, Justin Tatum, may be on his way to making a career for himself with a new position.

Jayson Tatum’s father; Illawarra Hawks interim head coach

Tatum’s father, Justin, was named interim head coach of the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia on November 13. The Hawks are off to a rough start this season and this is considered a Reasons to part ways with former coach Jacob Jackomas. After working his way up from assistant coach to interim head coach, Justin Tatum is truly making strides in his career.

Justin was Jayson’s first coach and pushed him to become an NBA All-Star. Justin was brought into the franchise as a North American scout and special advisor for basketball operations. The change comes after 16 months of frustration with Jackomas. However, Justin could return to the franchise with the NBA’s new top 2024 prospect, AJ Johnson.

AJ Johnson goes after Kai and Ben Simmons

American young gun AJ Johnson, at the age of 18, has left the University of Texas to join the NBL’s Next Stars Programme. This program is designed to prepare elite prospects to be nominated for the NBA draft. Compared to his contemporaries, the combo guard was projected as a higher draft pick. After leaving Texas, the 198cm prospect joined the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian NBL.

Taking into account career trajectory and significant developments, players are chasing two prominent NBL stars in Kai Sotto and Ben Simmons.

Can AJ Johnson make a name as famous as Jayson Tatum under his father’s guidance? How do you feel about this? Please let us know your views on the same.