NBA Star Jayson Tatum Says 6-Year-Old Son Deuce Is ‘Starting to Fall in Love’ with Basketball (Exclusive)

The Boston Celtics forward tells PEOPLE that his son is already following in his footsteps

Jayson Tatum (right) and his son Deuce at the Feb. 9, 2024 Celtics game in Boston. PHOTO: WINSLOW TOWNSON/GETTY

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum isn’t the only basketball player in the house.

His 6-year-old son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr., is ready to follow in his famous dad’s footsteps.

“He just started playing basketball on the organized team,” Tatum tells PEOPLE exclusively while chatting about his new appointment as ambassador of Coach. “So he’s really starting to fall in love with the game. It’s exciting to see that.”

Jayson Tatum (center) and his son Deuce at the May 29, 2023, Celtics game in Boston.MADDIE MEYER/GETTY

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Celtics fans are already familiar with Deuce — who Tatum says also loves Spider-Man (which means he’s a creature of habit!) — because he can often be found on the sidelines at his dad’s NBA games.

Deuce, clad in Celtics green or a mini version of his dad’s jersey, will throw the basketball around (even though it’s as big as he is) and cheer for the Boston team. Tatum tells PEOPLE that Deuce even picks out his own outfit for game days, following in his dad’s stylish footsteps.

“His favorite thing is to look in the mirror and be like, ‘Daddy, look, I’m fresh-fresh,’ ” Tatum says. “He says that now that he’s gotten older. His personality is starting to grow. He’s taking more ownership in the things he wants to wear.”

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Jayson Tatum (right) and his son Deuce at the Dec. 15, 2023, Celtics game in Boston.BRIAN BABINEAU/NBAE VIA GETTY

Tatum, 26, who has been in the NBA since 2017, is also looking to teach Deuce valuable lessons through his basketball career and his other endeavors — including his latest gig with Coach. As an ambassador, he’s part of a campaign with the motto “Courage to Be Real,” which he told PEOPLE is important to him to carry through in his everyday life, no matter what he’s doing.

“In this industry, there’s so many ways I guess you could be lost,” he said. “I think staying true to your roots and being organic and being yourself is so important.”