Jayson Tatum is one of the world's highest-paid athletes, and though he's created a paradise for his children, finding balance can be difficult.

Tatum had a rough childhood, being born to a single mother who was just 19-years-old at the time. He faced significant financial hardship growing up. His children, on the other hand, won't have to see any of these difficulties.

"How do I instill that toughness or that work ethic? You know, just living in St. Louis every day that was a part of my everyday life," Tatum said in an interview with Draymond Green.

“Whereas, Deuce [Tatum's son], he come to NBA games, he sitting courtside, he in the locker room, he on private jets, we going to islands," Tatum added at the Draymond Green Show on YouTube. "All he knows is paradise, new sneakers and all that. So, especially as he gets older, it’s something I definitely have to work on."

Tatum explained that he needs to help his son understand the balance between enjoying life and eventually working toward a life of his own.

He also believed that, as a parent, one strives to give one's children better lives than one ever had. However, traits like toughness and work ethic came to Tatum through life and hardship.

This may not be the case for his children. The Boston Celtics forward earned the 18th rank on Forbes' highest-paid athletes list released in May 2026.

His listed earnings were a whopping $82.2 million, ranking higher at the time than Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland and NFL icon Lamar Jackson.

Clearly, Tatum has come far from his humble beginnings, but he hasn't forgotten his roots. Not only does he understand the value of toughness, but he also helps his city of St. Louis, Missouri, through his foundation.

The Jayson Tatum Foundation: How the NBA star overcame the city without leaving it behind

Jayson Tatum's efforts for his city have been significant over the years. He believes in giving back to the city that made him who he is.

"I wanna inspire the next generation," Tatum said to Craig Melvin on Glass Half Full in a May 2026 episode. "Through the Jayson Tatum Foundation, that's exactly what we have done."

Tatum's focus on giving back has translated into a range of community initiatives through his foundation.

"We have Daddy & Deuce Toy + Coat Drive, Thanksgiving Drives, Back to School fest… I host a golf tournament every summer. We have our sixth one coming up. For me, I enjoy nothing more than coming back," Tatum added.

The NBA star has championed his city and community at large. Now, his team, the Boston Celtics, is set to go up against the Cleveland Cavaliers for a preseason game on October 9, 2026.

Read more on Air Jordan Chronicles

Written by

Prit Chauhan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey