Jayson Tatum reflects on 'tough' childhood at home | Up Close with Sage Steele | ESPN+

In a new episode of “Up Close with Sage Steele,” Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum visits his hometown to reflect on his upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. Full episode streaming now on ESPN+.
Watch now: plus.espn.com/
✔️Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@ajtaylor8750]

Went from hard times in St. Louis to now playing on the biggest stage for the Larry O'Brien. Much more success and blessings for J-Tatum!

[@360_dugie5]

Shoutout to st Louis

[@AliJoseph02]

When the vision is clear, you got to get to work, no matter what.

[@bmobrad]

Brons better Bron have water 🤡 Dubs n 5

[@adinthebisgross2amebabyliv311]

He went from playing AAU getting Free room and board along with clothes and shoes.. but hey it’s rough being poor

[@tbkevv7117]

@@bmobrad keep that energy my boy🤣

[@Sheenovastee]

Dude is so humble, proud to have him on our team

[@letsgobrandon1906]

Too bad they play better at away games cuz the Boston crowd is absolute garbage

[@deerinheadlights9784]

I’m a sixers fan and so much respect for him, brown, and the C’s

[@MartinW24]

I’m a Lakers fan and even I like Jayson a lot. He’s one of my fav players in the league.

[@jazz9236]

Just Remember he wants to be a laker

[@undergroundheatcypher1091]

Yeah I'm a Sixers fan and I was like that lightskin dude from Duke is NBA ready now and they draft Fulks SMDH!!

[@knowyourworth8113]

That pot pie 🥧 brought the 😭 tears rolling down my face especially mom giving him the inside and she eating the crust🙏🏿

[@Enlightened_SpursFan]

it almost got me man, what a heartwarming story

[@boohere2]

i hope he still keeping in touch with that neighbor, Donna. She was almost like a life saver!

[@cinderella23queen37]

I second that

[@kaifowler3508]

What being a parent is all about.

[@101elelky]

@Colin Grabmydick my mom used to tell me she wish I was dead or somebody killed me and that I was the reason my grandma died (she died from cancer) when I was 11 years old. ❤️😂

[@excusemeIhaveapinkbeard]

This man is so humble and well spoken. I wish him all the success in the world.

[@xavierstamp8786]

The Chicken Pot Pie story still gets to me, what moms especially single moms do for their kid/kids unreal

[@norrisrico]

Single Father's and Mother's.

[@spencerwhitsett9350]

@@norrisrico 💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@jazzymars30]

@@norrisrico exactly single father get no love

[@warrenfamilyvalues3751]

Bought tears to my eyes

[@colleencasey3474]

God bless neighbor Donna! We need more people like that in this world!!

[@marcsondlucce]

Man that lil piece was touching. Go Tatum!🙌🏾

[@linkuei562]

As much as I may not want Celtics to win any more championships, its hard not to cheer for Tatum

[@thebasketballhistorian3291]

In almost 30 years, they've only won one championship so I don't mind it so much. Meanwhile, the Warriors (who I'm actually a fan of) going to their 6th Finals in 8 years. 🤣

[@ClutchfactorAllDay69]

@@thebasketballhistorian3291 bandwagon fool

[@AAronToty]

Honestly

[@davidv6588]

The Warriors were trash for most of thier existence until less than 10 years ago. Meanwhile, the Celtics are the preeminent franchise in basketball.

[@MADWEIRD]

@@davidv6588 facts

[@adriennem1003]

This young man special. I remember him at Duke University. Very humble person & so proud he's part of Celtics.

[@ImmanuelSaves]

He’s a liar that’s trying to act hard (I grew up tuff in STL). Went to a private HS. Mom was a lawyer and THEY HAD A HOUSE. Dad in his life. Went to Duke lmao gets a back tatt like the mfer was raised in the yard. He’s phony, weak and soft.

[@rhondawilson2494]

What a decent dude and so humble. I'm rooting for you Jason Tatum, I hope you pull off one of the biggest upset shockers in NBA history by beating the warriors. This is your time JT...... GO GET IT 🙏💯🏀🏆

[@thebasketballhistorian3291]

I'm a Warriors fan (my hometown team), but I love Jayson Tatum. So humble and down to earth. Plays with all his heart. Always talks about team. Never makes excuses and always takes responsibility for what happens in the game.

[@Ben2bwild]

Biggest upset? Lol it's a pick 'em series. It could go either way. Boston winning wouldn't even be an upset.

[@davidv6588]

What are you talking about?😂 The two teams are evenly matched, with a slight edge going to Boston because of their sizes. Boston has played Golden State well since Kerr became coach. They are they only team with a winng record vs GS in that time. 9-5 or 9-4, including absolutely embarrassing them in Golden State just two months again. I don't know if you are a casual and think this is still the Durant Warriors or if you just don't know what an upset is. But this would in no way be a big upset. This series is going 6 or seven games and the winner is basically a coin flip.

[@sixstrz8310]

If anything the Warriors are the ubderdogs they are a lower seed then the Celtics

[@silvercat6425]

Lol don't get ahead of yourself just yet , we talking about the warriors lol

[@fredbanda5494]

Jayson's come a long way. Came from humble beginnings and even with all the success his having, he never forgets where he came from. 👏🏾✨

[@alexanderthompson2907]

blessings on u,MR.TATUM

[@poaloguano5388]

@@highcollide lol stop

[@killedwarduchiha9089]

As a Laker fan I am a huge fan of Jason Tatum. His love and admiration for Kobe had me pay attention to him, but his grind and love for the game gave him my love and respect. Jason Tatum genuinely seems like a humble guy. I’m rooting for him!

[@johnmp1470]

You could at least spell his name right if you’re such a big fan

[@killedwarduchiha9089]

@@johnmp1470 You can at least get a life

[@ScottieLandonakaLucky]

There is alot of greatness in the world that comes from humble beginnings Dont Ever Forget That

[@davidsolorio2861]

This is a humble person, he’s very appreciative to be where he’s at and it’s well deserved.

[@jayj9398]

Brought tears to my eyes. Congrats JT

[@gerardreed613]

Hard work, dedication, staying focused, commitment, pays off in a major way. Props to Mom for keeping him grounded and staying the course 👏🏾

[@PRESTIGEOUSNESS]

Seeing him smile and light up about that house even though he had a hard life made my day. I live in STL right now. Its definitely hard. All the love in the world bro! My favorite player!

[@AugustBurnsRed181]

It’s cool to see stuff like this gives me some hope that maybe someday I could get out of my situation good for Tatum.

[@puidemare2337]

My granny's advice would be, "put in the work and anything is possible." Be a warrior.

[@YxnginJesusLovesU]

U can and will mane keep grindin God got u✊🏿

[@CamWick]

@@highcollide Tatum did not grow up rich 💀

[@bxvbomber]

@@highcollide i remember my first time drinking lmfao

[@cinderella23queen37]

Gm, you will just place one foot in front then God will place one of his foot behind you

[@justinmitchell9681]

A whole new respect for Jason 👊

[@killpaleface3279]

I really can't tell you spell this King name wrong. So where is the respect. It's Jayson

[@letsgobrandon1906]

@@killpaleface3279 lmao

[@Toni_24]

I can feel every word he is speaking in my heart and in my soul . Tatum have it rough , tough growing up I can feel every bit of it .

[@phillysfinest82]

Humble beginnings, all greats have that in common..

[@Aizen5694]

Look at you now. One of the few guys to say he never forget where he came from. Go get you a championship bro u deserve it as a prize for all u sacrificed and worked for

[@fyamoji]

Congratulations. Persevered through hardships in life, and now he is in the NBA Finals with the grandest establishment in the league.

[@ilovebasketball666]

I love this dude I hope he wins the finals, he’s so humble and quite and chill. Man I love JT ❤️

[@shirleyreyes7130]

Such a good humble human. Deserves all the 🙌 This player is why I'm a loyal Celtic fan! 💚❤💚

[@YungBxndit]

It’s good nba players share their stories especially since there is so many kids who look up to them and could be in the same position

[@bradleyhacker7684]

Much love to jayson. We’re the same age, with birthdays just days apart, to see how he grew up and how similar it was to the way I grew up, really puts it into a different perspective.

[@starchild19899]

Representing stl , yea it’s crazy in the lou , Iillinos side as well big ups to him for defeating the odds

[@Supafreshh]

Hopefully he repaid Donna 2xs ! Doesn’t need too but I hope he did.

[@billbelicheat4499]

you know he did

[@loganblack4885]

@@billbelicheat4499 he didn’t repay Donna. Don’t believe everything you see on utube

[@billbelicheat4499]

@@loganblack4885 how do u know

[@FoougieTV]

@@loganblack4885 Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't give Donna a lil something.

[@jazzymars30]

@@loganblack4885 please enlighten us

[@shakiemjeanjoseph428]

The City of St.Louis is proud of him

[@fahshala9747]

I was introduced to you by your grandmother a few years ago at the Cardinal 🏟️ Stadium. You and your family, have truly been gifted , you are a blessing. Your gifts are sent from on High and you are receiving them with a humble spirit. Keep shining!!!! ✨ Much Blessing's!!

[@LaurnaWong]

Amazing story of rag to dreams. So proud of where he came from to where he is now. His story gives me hope

[@titojb6178]

Me been from NYC and a knicks fun can't see my self rooting for the Celtics but been a fan of this man have me rethinking.....much respect Tatum

[@blackprix]

As a Celtics fan and a mom first of all you’re a sweetheart and I know how much you love your mom, and as a Celtics fan I am so glad they drafted you, you are a true Celtic you fit the mold

[@gametimesiv]

Bro! 😮‍💨🙏🏾Blessings to all the single mothers, single fathers, kids who are struggling to make ends meet... No one should live with an empty stomach... Shout to all caring neighbors and general caring humans... stay blessed 🙌🏾

[@ismailfofana1823]

I thought his father was with him too surprising story !!

[@kaysheye7784]

not a Celtics fan but I can't help but be impressed by what Tatum (and Brown) have achieved thus far

[@alanramnanan]

Respect to this dude. Badman tings for days.

[@mr_five]

One of fave players and watching this video gives you greater appreciation of him today.

[@Louburrner]

It’s things like this that make me happy to see dude win even as a heat and lakers fan

[@DrPhuelgoud3]

This is why he’s so humble and reserve a lot of humble beginnings

[@tyronelove82]

Been thru it ...feel dat ...humility. Gota play those back ,remain grounded

[@joey4701]

Just watched the entire episode on ESPN+. He and his mom are such an inspiration!

[@TheZane03]

Is their a way to watch this somewhere else

[@ashirfaruq3575]

how did they afford private school

[@Jjj-zz7bz]

@@ashirfaruq3575 private schools can give scholarships

[@wirelessbrain12]

@@ashirfaruq3575 private schools have financial aid. Have a few friends that went to some.

[@apiotales]

@@ashirfaruq3575 he' was a dope player even then so I guess scholarship?

[@WatchingLakersBasketball]

As a Laker fan u hate that he has to wear the Celtics jersey but how can you hate him as a player or a person. This dude is nice and I scouted him at Duke I said he's exactly what you need in the playoffs a player who can score from mid range.

[@marcaisse]

Im a duke basketball fan and celtics fan so I'm chilling lol

[@WatchingLakersBasketball]

@@marcaisse That 2017 draft he was so slept on because Markelle was looked at as a for sure number 1, Lonzo was from UCLA and couldn't let him slip through because he was in the backyard and we needed a point guard leader when DLo lost the locker room because of Nick Young incident, and Boston Moved down because they didn't need another PG WHILE 76ERS thought it was best for Ben to be a power forward when he wanted to be a pg

[@kingtrawal]

Jayson so humble and down to earth… warriors in 5

[@terrymoneyholla]

You won at life!!!! Hard times make champions!!! God bless you Jason Tatum

[@franciscomendoza9071]

Godbless this man and his family.

[@ronaldmccall8067]

Made it through it all but soon to become a champion 💯💯👏🏾👏🏾✊🏾✊🏾☘️☘️.

[@emceeloot3370]

This Made Me Cry Dawg! Especially The Pot Pie Moment! ..I Remember It Was Just Me And My Mama Wit No Lights Or Water..We Had A Loaf Of Bread Cheese Nd Sandwich Meat..The Square Shaped Honey Ham😭🥰..Didn't Even Have Condiments..I've Ate At Plenty 5 Star Restaurants Since Then But On My Soul That Was The Best MEAL I've Ever Had🙏🏾I Guess Just Sharing A Moment Wit My Mama Was The Beauty Of It..I Wish I Could Bite That Sandwich For The First Time Again😭🖤..Shout Out to JT..Alot On His Shoulders..I Trust He Can Overcome It ..Celtics In 6☘️☘️☘️☘️

[@mars2b]

From the LOU AND I'M PROUD!!!

[@liolio4198]

Kobe gonna be proud of this young man

[@EnterTainment-vv1qs]

How so?

[@davidv6588]

He's not going to be proud of anything. He's dead

[@ilovebasketball666]

@@EnterTainment-vv1qs when he wins the finals

[@jaschahal1658]

Nice to see stars like this in this gen, solid humble dude

[@undergroundheatcypher1091]

The struggle is what makes you stronger than the average much props to his Mom for always making a way to keep the house for all those yrs!!

[@shelleymitchell9591]

He is such a humble man. I am all Warriors but I really like Jayson Tatum.

[@anasshahid224]

What a journey for Jason, inspirational 👏👏👏

[@ER-wb2fb]

I cried when i heard this one..What a humble man And now you're about to become a world champion!!shout out to JT!

[@krw73]

That realization when the neighborhood and upbringing he's describing as "tough" literally looks identical to yours, and you thought it was normal.

[@BFBPRODUCTIONS824]

So humble

[@basedwood]

Tatum really got it out the mud. Respect

[@peterlum8796]

I hate the Celtics with a fervor, but them guys, Smart, Brown, and Tatum, it's hard not to like and root for them. Especially Tatum, seeing him with his mom at the draft, you really got the sense he was raised lovingly and it's hard not to want to see them succeed despite their shortcomings.

[@Yute01]

Hate is a strong word. There is no way that you can root for them and like then if you "Hate" them. Is this some sort of paradox? lol

[@goldenstatedubs3956]

Hard not to like smart ? Said no one ever

[@uthamanj]

He took out my team.......but major props to this man, I'm glad je made it big 💯

[@PabloArgenisMusic]

So happy you’re a Celtic JT! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@belowthaheavenz9388]

This just made me love him even more . Real one 💯

[@dreamteam709]

Amazing story

[@davidv6588]

As a Celtics fan this guy has driven me nuts from time to time. Him being an only child explains a lot. I hope he did something nice for Donna once he came into all that money.

[@joshirosenda6931]

I’m curious.. what does him being a only child explain?

[@antoniocelani2436]

^

[@davidv6588]

@@joshirosenda6931 He struggled for quite a while with selfish play. He still does it occasionally. He will waste a possession by pulling up three seconds into the shot clock and jacking up a three like he's Steph, for example.

[@highcollide]

Donna is faker then the poor upbringing story.FAKE. his mom was a lawyer. Dad was a coach both raised him with money! He grew up rich! Look it up,espn made all this up out the blue

[@andremarable]

What link did you make from his poor shot selection to being an only child ? Please enlighten me

[@brooklynballer6682]

He’s just soo humble. Them ruff times seeing his mom struggle, he definitely took it personally. He’s not in drama, he doesn’t go out clubbing, you never see him all over social media over stupidity. He’s making sure his mom doesn’t have to worry about a dime in her life. That woman is enjoying her retirement spending time with her son & grandbaby duece. Hard not to like Tatum as a laker fan.

[@charnikiapinesett9887]

Love this guy! What a blessing

[@georgedanielsjr.3549]

I definitely appreciate this young man. He's really a good and humble young man. Carries himself very well. Keep pushing JT.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯💯💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@d.omoneychaser5112]

Very humble Athlete 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@nemaryaganon8418]

I can't help my tears true inspirational 😭💙

[@collinsfemmville1067]

Now I can see I'll make it , this is a story every should be proud of , JT and mom big 🖤

[@jiggywitdasaucepopasealwho9937]

deep...thanks Jt, your a hero and success story

[@rahmatnaimali9997]

I’m rooting for you Tatum get you one young man!

[@TheChrooner]

He is so humble

[@XabzintheNBAGuru]

He's my goat, man he's soo humble

[@kwalersaw9543]

So proud of you JT..that's so cool.

[@reegzproductions341]

Very good role model very humble and came from not much he put his head down and worked and still is and it’s paid off

[@nicholasverando2150]

Respect young man. The world is yours

[@jaycooper2685]

EXACTLY WHY THIS HUMBLE AND STAND UP DUDE MY FAV NBA PLAYER...WISH HIM NOTHING BUT THE BEST 👌🏾 AND MANY CHIPS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@OfficialKukillah]

the struggle builds the stars man…

[@mainframe4051]

Best of luck to Jayson Tatum!

[@stephanepinson5866]

Touching😢😭

[@EricJohnsonresign]

Salute to Jay Tatum on his journey! Reminds me of my upbringing to a degree.

[@AceNBlack]

That has to be something, going into that backyard and looking at a basketball goal you shot hoops on throughout your childhood to now shooting on every basketball goal in the NBA.

[@lordtachanka2136]

Now he’s playing to be an nba champion you deserve it JT

[@derrickjohnson267]

I'm proud of Jason Tatum, I know about the struggle. Its hard but you gotta be humble & focused.

[@terrybrown9206]

I really respect him and he is a humble guy.

[@jrsx5826]

I don’t like the Celtics but this guy makes me love the Celtics. I love the humble.

[@anncultura3309]

And i Cry! 😭😭😭 Good things come to good people. I really pray and hope he will win the chip. I love him dearly. 💚❤

[@SLORealtor]

Wow, incredible success, such an amazing story!

[@wendyvilliers8312]

Very humble

[@kevinwoods2455]

Awesome humble beginnings 👏🏾🙏🏾

[@mopedmosleyiii]

humble beginnings 🙏🏽

[@javiercruz9745]

I am a die hard LAKERS fan But I have to admit I live the way Tatum plays. I can see kobe in his game As we know Kobe gave him some lessons here in LA. And also my respects to the Celtics They are playing great basketball. I know it's odd since I am a Laker fan. But I got to be real. They are a good team.

[@javiercruz9745]

*LOVE

[@samflynn3670]

Love what JT, JB and Ime are building in Boston. Would have rather seen Malika, Monica or anyone else do this segment besides Sage Steele.

[@DR-hy6zw]

What’s wrong with Sage Steele ?

[@samflynn3670]

@@DR-hy6zw Some of Sage's political views (that she's been fairly vocal about) would seem to be an odd match to the implications of race and poverty in JT's humble beginnings. I was waiting for her to turn to the camera and say "see black ppl, this one super gifted athlete made it out, why can't you all do the same thing?".

[@goead]

@@DR-hy6zw she’s white

[@drewf6063]

@@samflynn3670 agreed, she’s trash

[@checkmeoutyeah1501]

JT is an honest and caring person. I wish him all the best 💜

[@brightBoss]

That's my favorite player in the league right there. JT😎🇬🇭

[@sheepsforjesus]

This is humbling… man praying this guy wins that ring.

[@edprince9848]

god bless Em... he seem like a nice young man.

[@-LiuKang]

💯 you made it now bro 🔥🔥🔥🔥🐐 much love

[@mikewilloughby1119]

Good luck young man. You are very impressive young man!! Go Celtics!

[@tyronemckenney9336]

So inspiring