Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Here’s a detailed profile of basketballer Jayson Tatum:
- Full Name: Jayson Christopher Tatum
- Nickname: Taco, The Anomaly
- Nationality: American
- Age: Born March 3, 1998
- Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
- Height: 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m)
- Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m)
- Standing Reach: 8 feet 11 inches
- Vertical Leap: 34.5 inches
- Shoe Size: 14 (US)
- Shoe Brand: Jordan Tatum 2, Jordan Tatum 1, Air Jordan 37, Air Jordan 36, Air Jordan 35, Air Jordan 34, Nike Adapt BB, Nike PG 2, Nike Kyrie 4, Nike Kyrie 3, and Nike PG 1
- Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
- High School: Chaminade College Preparatory School, St. Louis, Missouri
- College: Duke University (Duke Blue Devils) (2016–2017)
- Draft: Selected by the Boston Celtics as the 3rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft
- Player Archetype: Three-Level Scoring Wing / Primary Shot-Creating Forward
- Primary Offensive Role: Isolation scorer, pull-up creator, primary half-court option
- Defensive Role: Switchable wing defender; secondary rim contest and help-side disruptor
- Play Style: Methodical scoring wing using footwork, midrange creation, and size-based mismatch hunting
- Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
- Athletic Profile: Smooth rather than explosive; long-stride athlete with strong body control and balance
- Recruiting Status: Five-star recruit, No. 3 overall (2016 class)
- Draft Status Detail: One-and-done freshman; consensus top-5 prospect; high-floor scoring wing
- Injury Status Category: Generally durable; occasional minor injuries (no chronic classification)
- Career Stage: Prime superstar
- Comparison Style: Paul Pierce / Carmelo Anthony scoring-wing hybrid
- Teams Played For: Boston Celtics (2017–present)
- Championship Rings: 1 (Boston Celtics 2023-24)
- Parents: Justin Tatum, Brandy Cole-Barnes
- Children: Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr.; one child with singer Ella Mai
- Siblings: Jaycob Tatum, Kayden Tatum
- Athlete Relatives: Godson of Larry Hughes; cousin of Tyronn Lue
- Net Worth: Jayson Tatum Contract History
Tatum’s player archetype is a three-level scoring wing built around methodical shot creation and size-based mismatch hunting. Defensively, he functions as a switchable forward capable of guarding wings and smaller bigs while providing help-side rim contests thanks to his length. Offensively, he operates as a primary isolation and pull-up creator, leaning heavily on footwork, jab steps, and midrange scoring while still spacing the floor from three. Physically, he combines a 6-foot-8 frame with long arms and smooth athleticism rather than explosive burst, allowing him to create separation through balance and timing. The overall play style reflects a deliberate, polished scoring forward who controls tempo, punishes mismatches, and contributes across the floor as a two-way star.
Notes:
- Jayson Tatum’s height without shoes is approximately 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm). Tatum’s height with shoes is 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm).
- Jayson Tatum’s playing weight is listed at approximately 210 pounds (95 kg).
- Similar players to Jayson Tatum include Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Paul Pierce, Brandon Ingram, and Grant Hill.
Sources:
Sports Illustrated — Who is Jayson Tatum? Scouting report, bio, analysis of NBA draft prospect
DraftExpress — Jayson Tatum NBA Draft Scouting Report and Video Analysis
Duke Athletics — Jayson Tatum – 2016-17 – Men’s Basketball – Duke University