The reigning NBA champion Jayson Tatum finally has a ring under his name. A seven-year struggle came to an end after a dominating victory in the postseason. However, JT’s dream wasn’t always to win a championship for the Celtics. During his middle school days, scouts started to notice him. The kid had a drive to become the best player and the fuel that fired this dream was his fourth grade teacher. Back when Tatum was just 10 years old, his fourth-grade teacher told her students to write a paragraph about what they wanted to become in the future.

Well, little Tatum was quite firm and clear with his future plans. JT recently posted an Instagram story wherein he revealed what he had written in the paragraph. “Twenty years from now, I will have gone to one year at Ohio State University where I will meet Kristen. She will have gone to Ohio State’s Law School while I’m in the NBA. She will love sports but doesn’t necessarily play sports. We will have gotten married and have two children, a boy and a girl. My son’s name will be Justin and my daughter’s name will be Nichole.”

Well, Tatum doesn’t have a daughter but is a father to a son, Deuce. And no, he did not attend Ohio State, but even better, as he was a Blue Devil.

When his teacher read his paragraph, she advised him to be more realistic in front of all his classmates. It was an embarrassing moment for little Tatum. But why did she say that? For starters, Tatum also wrote, “When I’m thirty, I would have gone to the NBA at age 19. I will play for the Phoenix, Arizona Suns for six years and then I will be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.” Young Tatum also conveys his awareness of nervousness and the hard work required. But the crowds’ cheer and commitment seem to be his answers.

Yet again, little Tatum’s plans didn’t go as expected as he’s never been close to playing for the Suns or the Lakers, or any other team expect Celtics for that matter. But not all of Tatum’s dreams were to come to a nil. His dream to have played for Team USA in the Olympics is finally a reality.

“Two decades from now I will have accomplished my dreams/ goals. I will play for the USA Olympics Basketball Team I will have won three championships… I will be the first person from St. Louis, MO to play for the USA Olympics Basketball Team.” Not only is he part of the national basketball team but also the first player from St. Louis to play in the Olympics. This particular feat has to be unique out of all his wishes.

Jayson Tatum lives a part of his dream twice

Years later, the little fourth grader who dreamed so big has an NBA championship under his name and a possible 2nd Olympic gold medal on the way. After winning his first at Tokyo, Tatum is on the path to ensure an even special one, wearing No.10 in honor of his childhood idol, Kobe Bryant.

On the Paris 2024 journey, Tatum has managed eight and seven points each against Canada and Australia respectively. With a star-studded roster, the playing minutes aren’t too heavy and an Olympic gold isn’t all too far. And if that were to fall in place, Tatum and fellow Celtic Derrick White would newly join the list of NBA champions and Olympic gold medalists where Jrue Holiday and LeBron might find themselves twice. Tatum might have the opportunity too, as Grant Hill notes, “He’s not only a guy that can help us win this summer, but he can help us win for years to come.”

Aged 26, JT has proven a notable talent on court. Although he didn’t attend Ohio State, he went to a more sought after school in collegiate basketball, Duke. No, he didn’t play for the Lakers or the Suns but brought a championship to the Celtics. He may have faced quite some criticism following the Finals run, though there is no denying that the 26-year-old is a future MVP and Hall of Fame prospect.

What are your thoughts on little Tatum’s future aspirations? Do you think he should play for the Lakers next? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker Leonard Armato had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this exclusive video by EssentiallySports.