Jayson Tatum Discusses Becoming an Author, Tatum 3s, 2K Cover, and More

The "Summer of Tatum" has come equipped with the 26-year-old star's first NBA championship, signing the most lucrative player contract in league history and becoming an NBA 2K cover athlete.

It has also included the unveiling of the Tatum 3s, which he shared is his favorite of his three signature sneakers, in part one of a two-part interview, lightly edited for clarity and grammar.

Bobby Krivitsky: Your new children's book, "Baby Dunks-a-Lot," goes on sale today; is becoming an author and writing a children's book something you've had in mind for a while, or how did this come about?

Jayson Tatum: Honestly? No. This is fairly new to me. Sam Apple, the co-author, came to me with the idea like two years ago, and I was honored. Obviously, the inspiration came from the relationship that I have with Deuce, and just like many parents or grandparents or teachers, reading bedtime stories to their kids, we're no different.

But I thought it was incredibly special to share our relationship in a way through this children's book with the rest of the world.

Bobby Krivitsky: Are more "Baby Dunks-a-Lot" books coming in the future? And did this make you start thinking about writing a biography one day?

Jayson Tatum: You know, it's been a unique process. At first, it was just supposed to be, let's create this one children's book together. But I think now, and hopefully, if it really does well, we will have more of these opportunities in the future.

Bobby Krivitsky: Along with becoming an author, you're a cover athlete for NBA 2K25. You said when Deuce surprised you with that news, you got emotional. Ronnie (2K) told me it makes you a "made man" in their world. What does that honor, being on the cover of 2K, mean to you?

Jayson Tatum: It's special. As a kid, you dream about being in the video game; you dream about being on the cover, and not too many people have ever been able to do that. So, to join that short list and fulfill a lifelong dream, to be able to do that and share that moment with my son and my family, is something I'm proud of.