8 Unforgettable Moments That Made Duece Tatum The Boston Celtics' Unofficial Mascot

He may only be a child, but Jayson Christopher "Duece" Tatum Jr. has already cemented his status as one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the entire National Basketball Association (NBA) community. As of December 15, 2025, Duece Tatum, the son of Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide, not just with his adorable courtside antics but with his genuine, heartwarming connection to his father and the entire Celtics organization. This article dives deep into the life of the Celtics' unofficial mascot, exploring his full biography, his most viral moments, and the lasting impact he has on the sport.

The latest updates surrounding Duece often revolve around his appearances during the 2025-2026 NBA season, where he is frequently seen accompanying his father to games, shootarounds, and post-game interviews. His seventh birthday in late 2024 was a major social media highlight, and as he approaches his eighth birthday, his presence remains a constant source of positive energy for the Boston Celtics fan base and a symbol of the unique father-son bond that defines Jayson Tatum’s career.

Duece Tatum: Full Biography and Profile

Duece Tatum, whose full name is Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., is the celebrity child of NBA star Jayson Tatum and Toriah Lachell (also known as Toriah Mimms). He was born shortly after his father was drafted into the NBA, essentially growing up in the spotlight of professional basketball.

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• Full Name: Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr.
• Known As: Duece Tatum (or Deuce Tatum)
• Date of Birth: December 6, 2017
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 8 years old (turning 8 on Dec 6, 2025)
• Place of Birth: United States (Often cited as Boston, Texas or just the United States)
• Father: Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics All-Star)
• Mother: Toriah Lachell (High School Girlfriend of Jayson Tatum)
• Grandparents: Brandy Cole-Tatum (Paternal Grandmother) and Justin Tatum (Paternal Grandfather)
• Uncle: Jaycob Tatum (Paternal Uncle)
• Claim to Fame: Son of Jayson Tatum; Unofficial Mascot of the Boston Celtics

Duece was born during Jayson Tatum's rookie year with the Boston Celtics, making him a fixture in the team's locker room and on the sidelines almost since birth. His mother, Toriah Lachell, and Jayson Tatum were high school sweethearts. His popularity has exploded due to his continuous presence at games, often seen interacting with NBA players, coaches, and the media.

The Unofficial Mascot: How Duece Became a Celtics Icon

The term "unofficial mascot" is often used to describe Duece Tatum, and it’s a title he has earned through his consistent and charismatic presence. He is more than just a famous child; he has become a symbol of the familial culture within the Boston Celtics organization and a source of lighthearted relief for the team and its fans.

Courtside Presence and Team Morale

Duece is a regular at Boston Celtics home games at the TD Garden and often travels with his father during the NBA season. He is frequently seen running around the court during shootarounds, participating in drills, and even playing "lockdown defense" against his father's teammates like Grant Williams. This constant, playful interaction with All-Stars and veteran players fosters a unique, relaxed atmosphere, which many believe contributes positively to team morale.

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His presence became particularly prominent during the Celtics' successful 2024 NBA Finals run, where he was a fixture during the championship celebration, sharing the moment with his father and the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Media Darling and Interview Crasher

One of the main reasons for Duece's viral fame is his tendency to "crash" his father's post-game interviews. Whether he's walking into the frame, offering a quick wave, or whispering something funny to his dad, these moments are consistently shared across social media, providing a glimpse into the personal lives of NBA stars. These unscripted, genuine interactions are a refreshing change from the usual professional sports coverage.

The Most Viral Duece Tatum Moments

Duece Tatum has a highlight reel of his own, separate from his father's on-court achievements. These moments have cemented his global celebrity status and made him a favorite among basketball fans, regardless of their team allegiance.

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1. The Kevin Garnett Dunk Contest Roast

Perhaps one of his most famous moments occurred during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Duece was caught on video hilariously telling Celtics legend Kevin Garnett that his dad, Jayson Tatum, "couldn't make a single shot" during the Dunk Contest. The genuine, unscripted honesty of a young child roasting his NBA All-Star father to a Hall of Famer immediately went viral, showcasing his budding personality.

2. The "Starting 5" Netflix Feature

Duece was prominently featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary series "Starting 5," which followed Jayson Tatum's life both on and off the court. This exposure introduced his personality to a massive, global audience outside of just the NBA fan base. The documentary highlighted the challenges and joys of Jayson Tatum balancing a demanding professional career with being a devoted single father, with Duece being the central emotional figure.

3. Courtside Snacks and Interactions

Duece is well-known for his courtside activities, often involving snacks. Videos of him interacting with team staff, security personnel, and even opposing players while munching on popcorn or other treats are a staple of Celtics game coverage. These simple moments of childhood innocence in a high-stakes environment are incredibly endearing to the audience.

4. The Locker Room Celebrations

From the Eastern Conference Finals to the 2024 NBA Championship, Duece is always front and center during the Boston Celtics' biggest celebrations. Seeing him hold the trophy, wear the championship hat, and spray champagne alongside his father and the team provides a powerful image of family and legacy in sports.

5. Playing With NBA Stars

Duece has been seen interacting with numerous NBA stars beyond his father, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Dončić. His comfort level around these basketball giants speaks to how integrated he is into the league's environment. Videos of him shooting hoops with players during warmups are common, fueling speculation about his own potential future in basketball.

6. The "Growing Up Together" Dynamic

Jayson Tatum has often spoken publicly about "growing up together" with his son, emphasizing that he became a father at a young age. This narrative resonates deeply with fans, making their father-son relationship a powerful and relatable storyline. Duece's presence is a constant reminder of Jayson Tatum's personal growth alongside his professional success.

7. The Team Shootaround Drills

Footage of Duece participating in Celtics shootarounds, attempting to block shots, and handling a basketball with surprising skill for his age is regularly shared. These clips showcase his natural comfort on the court and the mentorship he receives from his father and the professional players around him.

8. The Future Play Promise

A heartwarming and widely reported moment was Jayson Tatum's claim that he "can easily" stay in the NBA for another 10 years for the chance to play alongside his son, Duece, one day. While Duece is still a child, this statement highlights the profound impact Duece has on his father's career longevity and goals, creating an exciting long-term narrative for fans to follow.

Duece Tatum’s Lasting Impact and Topical Authority

Duece Tatum's influence extends beyond just cute social media clips. He represents a modern shift in how NBA players are viewed, allowing fans to connect with their personal lives and familial bonds. The Celtics' organization has embraced this, often featuring him in official content, which humanizes the team and builds a deeper connection with the fan base.

His continuous presence has made him a key entity in the Boston Celtics' topical authority, linking the team to keywords like "father-son duo," "NBA parenting," and "celebrity children." As Duece grows older, fans will continue to monitor his involvement with the team, his personal milestones, and his development, ensuring that Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. remains a significant and highly searched name in the NBA world for years to come.