Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most composed and focused players, but behind the All-Star appearances and playoff battles is a personal story that changed his life forever before his career had even truly begun.

In a recent appearance on TODAY’s Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin, Tatum reflected on becoming a father at just 19 years old during the opening weeks of his rookie NBA season — a moment he says completely reshaped his outlook on life.

The Celtics star admitted the experience initially filled him with fear and uncertainty.

At the time, Tatum had just left Duke University and was preparing to begin his NBA journey in Boston. Everything in his life was changing at once, and suddenly, he was also preparing to become a father.

“It wasn’t planned, and it was tough because I was afraid,” Tatum explained during the interview.

The timing made the situation even more overwhelming. His son, widely known as “Deuce,” was born just 12 games into Tatum’s NBA career.

The young forward admitted that early on, his mind was still heavily focused on basketball, success, and building his future in the league.

“I didn’t think I was ready,” Tatum said. “I wasn’t even sure I was excited about it, because I was selfishly thinking about myself and my career.”

But everything changed instantly the moment he finally held his son for the first time.

According to Tatum, the doctors handed the baby to him moments after birth, and suddenly all of his fear disappeared.

That emotional moment not only transformed his perspective on fatherhood, but also helped shape the maturity and focus Celtics fans have seen throughout his rise to NBA superstardom.

Tatum also revealed a surprising detail about Deuce’s name. The child’s original planned name was reportedly “Jackson,” but things changed shortly after birth, eventually leading to the now-famous nickname “Deuce,” short for Jayson Tatum Jr.

Over the years, Deuce has become one of the most recognizable children in basketball, regularly appearing courtside during Celtics games and celebrations alongside his father. Their bond has become beloved across the NBA and among Boston fans.

For Tatum, though, the relationship means far more than public moments or viral clips.

Looking back now, the Celtics star believes becoming a father so young may have been the best thing that ever happened to him.

Instead of derailing his career, it gave him a greater purpose — one that helped him grow both on and off the court as he developed into one of the faces of the NBA.