If you are a fan of the NBA, you might have wondered if Mark Tatum and Jayson Tatum are related. They both share the same last name and are prominent figures in the basketball world. Mark Tatum is the deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the NBA, while Jayson Tatum is a four-time All-Star and one of the best players in the league. But are they really family? Here’s what we know.
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Who is Mark Tatum?
Mark Tatum is the second-in-command of the NBA, serving as the deputy commissioner and chief operating officer since 2014. He oversees some of the most important functions of the league, such as global partnerships, marketing, global strategy, and the G League. He is also the host of the NBA Draft lottery and announces the second-round picks in the NBA Draft.
Mark Tatum has been working for the NBA since 1999, and has been instrumental in expanding the league’s global reach and revenue. He led the initiative to put corporate logos on team jerseys, facilitated the partnership with Nike for all three leagues (NBA, WNBA, G League), and helped launch the Basketball Africa League. He is also involved in various social responsibility and diversity initiatives within the NBA.
Mark Tatum was born in Vietnam to a Vietnamese mother and an African-American father who served in the U.S. Army. He grew up in New York City and attended Cornell University and Harvard Business School. He is married to Lisa Skeete Tatum and has two sons.
Who is Jayson Tatum?
Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the NBA, playing for the Boston Celtics since 2017. He was drafted with the third overall pick after one year at Duke University, where he was a third-team All-ACC selection and an ACC All-Freshman team member. He was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018 and has since made four All-Star appearances and three All-NBA selections. He was also named the NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP in 2022 and helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals. He also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Jayson Tatum is known for his versatile scoring ability, clutch performances, and smooth style of play. He holds the record for most points scored in an NBA All-Star game, with 55, and the most points scored in a Game 7 of any NBA playoffs series, with 51. He is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the league and a future MVP candidate.
Jayson Tatum was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole. His father is a former college basketball player and a high school basketball coach, while his mother is an attorney. He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he was a McDonald’s All-American, a Gatorade National Player of the Year, and a Mr. Show-Me Basketball winner. He has a son named Deuce with his ex-girlfriend Toriah Lachell.
Are Mark Tatum and Jayson Tatum Related?
Despite sharing a last name and being involved in the same sport, Mark Tatum and Jayson Tatum are not related by blood or family ties. They have different ethnic backgrounds, different places of birth, and different parents. They may have crossed paths or interacted professionally at some point, but they are not known to have any personal connection or relationship.
According to Genius Celebs and Current Affairs, there is no evidence that Mark Tatum and Jayson Tatum are related in any way. They are simply two successful individuals who happen to have the same surname and work in the same industry.
Conclusion
Mark Tatum and Jayson Tatum are both stars in their own right, but they are not related to each other. They have different origins, different careers, and different lives. They share a passion for basketball and a common last name, but that’s where their similarities end.