We are quite acquainted with the childhood and the journey of Jayson Tatum into the NBA. All the tough times Brandy Cole, who was a teenager herself when she had JT, went through as a single mom trying to raise a newborn in St. Louis, are all details that at least some of you, know like the back of your hand. But how much do we know about his extended family?

So, disclaimer: we know that the Celtics superstar likes to keep his life private. I mean, just think of that time when Ella Mai was spotted with a baby bump first in the NBA Finals, followed by the appearance of the new mom and baby Tatum as the family was posing for a post-Olympic photoshoot!

That said, let us dive into what we do know about his half-siblings.

“One of the strongest linebackers we have,”: All about Jayson Tatum’s younger brother

Jaycob Tatum is the step-brother of Jayson Tatum. As opposed to the Tatum men, Jaycob decided to take the football route. And it turned out well, as Western Illinois University Leathernecks coach, Brandon Kreczmer points out. “He’s an athletic kid. He’s probably one of the strongest linebackers we have. When he hits you, you feel it.” 

Standing at 6’2, 215 pounds, the younger Tatum plays as an inside linebacker. But that wasn’t his position earlier. During his high school days at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Jaycob had attracted some serious attention from college recruiters for his brilliant game as an outside linebacker. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that he thrived.

But with the Leathernecks, Kreczmer put him on the inside. And along with the transition to college life, he’s had to make adjustments in his game, as well. “My switch has been a difficult journey over this past year. At outside linebacker, you just attack. Inside, you have to think a little bit more. You have to let things form and then you attack,” Jaycob said.

His coach, who was a linebacker himself at WIU, attributed the difficulty to “the different reads.” But you do wonder if Jaycob Tatum did not even once think about following in the footsteps of Jayson Tatum. Of course he did! “Growing up, I always wanted to play basketball. I wanted to be just like (Jayson),” the 20-year-old admitted. And why wouldn’t he? When you have basketball genes running in the family, it’s only natural your attention would go that way.

However, at the suggestion of his Dad, Justin Tatum, Jaycob tried his hand at the football summer workouts. And he fell in love with the sport. Moreover, his height also ended up being a determining factor. The athletic frame with the height turned out to be the perfect recipe for a hard-nosed linebacker. And that’s who he is now.

The princess of the Tatum family – Kayden Tatum

Needless to say, being the only sister of the Tatum family, 10-year-old Kayden is the little princess. Fondly called as Kay-Kay, she was born on April 30, 2014. Except for the occasional posts by Justin and Jayson, mostly birthday wishes, there really isn’t much information on Kayden. But we do know that JT adored the little girl. An earlier post shows him with Kay-Kay on his shoulders on a trip to the zoo.

Despite being his step-siblings, it’s clear the trio have a close relationship. And given how family is important for Jayson Tatum, it’s no wonder that he enjoys time with his extended fam.