Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ star player, became the youngest player to score 10,000 points for the franchise on November 5th. A victory by the Boston Celtics against the Brooklyn Nets followed the record on Saturday. On the journey from Tatum’s self-doubt to becoming the face of the franchise, one man holds the appreciation, and that’s his father, Justin.

Tatum himself has left no opportunity to give due credit to his dad for gifting him with such enhanced basketball skills. His father, Justin Tatum, however, might be on his way to carve out a career for himself now with a new position.

Father of Jayson Tatum; interim head coach for the Illawarra Hawks

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tatum’s father, Justin, was named the interim head coach of the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia on the 13th of November. The Hawks are in the middle of a tough start this season, and this was cited as a reason to part ways with the former coach, Jacob Jackomas. After escalating his position from assistant coach to interim head coach, Justin Tatum is indeed taking long strides in his career.

Justin was Jayson’s first coach and pushed him to ascend to be an NBA All-Star. Justin was brought into the franchise as a North American scout and special adviser to basketball operations. The change came in after a 16-month disappointing rut with Jackomas. However, Justin might offer a comeback for the franchise with the new NBA’s 2024 top prospect, AJ Johnson.

AJ Johnson taking after Kai and Ben Simmons

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The American young gun, AJ Johnson, at 18, pulled out of the University of Texas to join the NBL’s next Star Program. This program is crafted to prepare elite prospects to be nominated for the NBA draft. As compared to his contemporaries, the combo guard is projected to be a higher draft pick. After de-committing from Texas, the 198-cm-tall prospect joined the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian NBL.

Taking into account the career trajectory and significant developments, the player is taking after two prominent NBL stars, Kai Sotto and Ben Simmons.

Read More: Priding Over Daughter’s 1st “Playoff Win”, Chris Paul Keeps Rivalry Aside to Shout Out Jayson Tatum

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Will AJ Johnson be able to make a name as well-known as Jayson Tatum under his dad’s guidance? What do you feel about this? Let us know your views on the same.

Watch This Story–Chasing His First NBA Crown “Badly”, Damian Lillard Gets a Massive Vote of Confidence From Giannis Antetokounmpo: “I Can Feel It”