← Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin
Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin
Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Opens Up About His Achilles, His Mom & Fighting to Come Back | Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin
00:31:25
Before the 2026 NBA playoffs began, NBA Champion and 6-Time All-Star Jayson Tatum sat down with Craig Melvin on Glass Half Full for an unfiltered look at his journey from the courts of St. Louis to the top of the basketball world. Tatum opens up about the moment he tore his Achilles against the Knicks in the 2025 playoffs, what he heard, what he felt, and what the 47-week road back has really looked like. He also shares the story of growing up in a single parent household, the plan he made with his mom at five years old, and the full circle moment when that kid from St. Louis finally got to sit across from his idol Kobe Bryant. Off the court, Tatum gets candid about becoming a father at 19, raising his two sons Deuce and Dylan, and making peace with his own dad.
Loading summary
Transcript128 lines
- [00:01]
Craig Melvin
Dish has been connecting communities like yours for the last 45 years, providing the TV you love at a price you can trust. Watch live sports news and the latest movies, plus your favorite streaming apps, all in one place. Switch to DISH today and lock in the lowest price in satellite TV, starting at $89.99 a month with our two year price guarantee. Call 888-add-D dish or visit dish.com today. Hey, everyone. Craig Melvin here and welcome to this edition of Glass Half Full. And let me tell you, today's guest, you know who he is, but there's a lot about him you probably don't know. Jason Tatum, NBA champion, six time NBA all star, the cornerstone of the modern Celtics dynasty. But I think what you're going to find over the next, you know, 30, 40 minutes or so is that Jason Tatum, he's a layered man. We talk about fatherhood, we talk about his father, we talk about coming back from that terrible injury and how that sort of changes your perspective a bit. It was a fascinating conversation with Jason and I hope you enjoy it. Jason Tatum, welcome. Welcome to Glass Half Full.
- [01:32]
Jayson Tatum
Appreciate it.
- [01:33]
Craig Melvin
We start every episode with a toast.
- [01:36]
Jayson Tatum
Okay.
- [01:37]
Craig Melvin
You're in season right now, so you have water. I've got my trusty bourbon. To what are we toasting, Mr. Tatum?
- [01:44]
Jayson Tatum
A healthy comeback. Me returning off my injury, back to doing what I love to do.
- [01:49]
Craig Melvin
Cheers to that for sure. Double cheers for that. So, I mean, we'll get to the injury in just a moment. But generally speaking, would you consider yourself a glass half full kind of guy or a glass half empty kind of guy?
- [02:03]
Jayson Tatum
Always been glass half full. Always, always my entire life.
- [02:08]
Craig Melvin
Why?
- [02:10]
Jayson Tatum
I used to always have this, this saying that everything's going to work out because it has to. And that's just how I would always approach life, moments, situations, even from when I was a kid, I just always believe things were going to work out for no other reason than just it, it has to. And I think just kind of like positive thinking going into whatever you're doing, it really, it really does help. And I've been challenged with that, obviously, with my most recent circumstance and being injured. And I really had to challenge myself with telling myself every day that it's going to be okay because it has to.
- [02:56]
Craig Melvin
It's a mantra that has served you well. We like to focus on the moments that really shape people personally, professionally. Looking back on your life, is there a moment that you can point to where you can say, okay, I went from being Jason to Jayson Tatum.
- [03:19]
Jayson Tatum
Career wise, I would say getting drafted was one of the more special days of my life because all I ever wanted to do was be exactly who I am. And I knew that from my earliest memory. When I was three or four years old, I knew exactly who I wanted to be. Me and my mom, we made a plan. You know, I had an idea of how my life was going to go. So imagine at the age of three or four, looking forward to, you know, getting drafted. That was a 16 year process.
- [03:54]
Craig Melvin
You were singularly focused in the playpen.
- [03:58]
Jayson Tatum
My earliest memory, so I might have been five, but I remember waking up on Saturday mornings and playing at the ymca. I remember telling my mom, like, I want to be an NBA player. I want to go to college for one year. I want to be a McDonald's All American. I want to get drafted number one. I want to be on the COVID of 2K. I want to have my own shoe. I used to, like, I really believed all those things when you were five, six, maybe. Yeah. And it was more so, like, my favorite player was Kobe Bryant. Like, I wanted to be like that. I wanted to be like LeBron or Kevin Durant, like all the guys I looked up to. So I just was like, I want to do everything that they did. And for me, getting drafted was so. Was such a special day. It was like. Because I looked forward to this for 15 years or 16 years, whatever it was. And it was like hearing Adam Silver call my name was unlike anything I ever experienced, because it's like, in my eyes, I work towards it for 15 years, for every single day, for that moment. And it was so gratifying, and it meant the world to me.
- [05:04]
Craig Melvin
You had spent your entire life working toward that moment. You mentioned Kobe Bryant, and I know the two of you had a relationship early in your career. What was that like?
- [05:14]
Jayson Tatum
It was special, you know, for me, I always say the biggest act that we can demonstrate is, like, to inspire someone. And for me, you know, I grew up in St. Louis in a single parent household, and Kobe Brown was always my favorite player. I remember gravitating towards him, you know, his interviews, his workouts, the way he played. I admired everything about him. And that was special because, you know, somebody that played in Los Angeles and A kid from St. Louis, you know, 2,000 miles away, he inspired me to chase my dream without ever even knowing who I was. And that was very powerful to me because I. I chased it and, you know, fast forward. When I was a rookie, you know, I developed a relationship with him and conversations over the phone. I went to his office and Met with him, we worked out together. And that was just a full circle moment in my mind is because I was sitting across from him and it was like, I can't put into words how much, you know, you meant to my life and my career that now I get to, you know, really get to know you. And that was really impactful and powerful to me.
- [06:30]
Craig Melvin
They love you in Boston. They embraced you with open arms. And one of my favorite moments was after you won the championship and it's you and your mom. What's the backstory on that?
- [06:42]
Jayson Tatum
Me and my mom are best friends. You know, she was 19 when she had me, and I grew up in a single parent household my entire life. And, you know, seeing my mom struggle to, you know, raise me and put food on the table while going to school, while working, she is the most important person that I'm thankful for, that I am who I am and, you know, my life turned out the way it did. When I got drafted, my mom moved to Boston. We lived in the same apartment building, like, down the hall. We live on the same street now. Like, I am the definition of what it means to be a mama's boy. So just someone that literally has been there every step of the way, see me in my highest moments and my lowest moments. You know, we're only 19 years apart, so we are really close. So sharing that moment with her, you know, was so special as well.
- [07:39]
Craig Melvin
But what are they going to say now that implies that the two of you thought they were saying something before and who's the day?
- [07:48]
Jayson Tatum
I think in this profession, especially now, 2026, it's inevitable. You can't get away from the outside noise. Everyone has a platform, everyone has an opinion, and it's easily posted. And, you know, so for me, there was a, you know, a lot of chatter and a narrative around, especially early on, because in 2022, we made it to the finals and we lost. And granted, you know, I was only 24 years old and that was my third conference finals at the time, first time going to the championship. And I think, you know, at that moment, it was just like, oh, he can't do it.
- [08:29]
Craig Melvin
So you heard the noise.
- [08:30]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah. I mean, we all heard.
- [08:31]
Craig Melvin
You knew it. You knew what a lot of those folks are saying.
- [08:33]
Jayson Tatum
We all got smartphones. It's like, it's impossible not to see it.
- [08:37]
Craig Melvin
Yeah.
- [08:38]
Jayson Tatum
So for me, it was just like, I had been to the finals and I knew what it felt like to come up short. And two years later, to get over that hump, it was like the weight of the world was off my shoulders a little bit.
- [08:50]
Craig Melvin
Yeah. Let's go Back to Game 4, playoffs against the Knicks. And you go down. Did you know immediately when you went down what had happened?
- [09:03]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah.
- [09:03]
Craig Melvin
How'd you know?
- [09:04]
Jayson Tatum
I mean, a few things. As an athlete, as a basketball player, we. We understand injuries. We understand certain movements that put you in a position to cause that injury. I know people that have had that injury, and, you know, it's always kind of the same. You, you know, you push off, you know, your leg, and, you know, I've heard people say they felt like they got kicked. And, you know, for me, that's exactly why I knew the position I was in. I lunged for the ball, and it did. It felt like somebody, like, kicks you and you just completely lose your balance. And for me, I like. I heard it, like, it was almost like I had headphones on, you know, kind of like the gunshot at, like, a track meet, you know, when they start the race. That's what it. I like. It was pow.
- [09:56]
Craig Melvin
It was that loud.
- [09:58]
Jayson Tatum
It felt like it sounded like it in my head. I mean, you know, in an arena full of 20,000 people, it was that vivid and clear. I knew what just happened right away.
- [10:09]
Craig Melvin
And what's the recovery been like? Because I'm going to read something that you tweeted. Day 45 of recovery.
- [10:16]
Jayson Tatum
There's some bull, there's some bullshit, for sure.
- [10:21]
Craig Melvin
That's. We can keep that in, because that's a direct quote. I can't get in trouble. It's a podcast. What happened on day 45?
- [10:29]
Jayson Tatum
I just. I remember vividly I was in Boston that day, and I was doing my routine. I couldn't drive, so I would have a sprinter come pick me up, so I couldn't put weight on it. So I would have my walker to get to the shower. I would sit down, have to get undressed. I would have to put this plastic thing over my leg. Walker to the shower. I would sit on the shower seat. It would literally take me, like, 45 minutes to shower and get dressed. Then I would get on my scooter down the hall, and I would need help to get down the steps. And I remember it was just. It was raining. It was a cloudy day outside. I was going to rehab. And then my head was just against the window, and it was just like, consecutive days of, like, doing the exact same thing. And I was like, this is some bull. It was a terrible day outside. I was having a bad day. I couldn't believe this was, like, my reality. And I just kind of had a real moment.
- [11:35]
Craig Melvin
But as we sit here right now, it seems like we're exponentially better.
- [11:41]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah.
- [11:42]
Craig Melvin
Is that how you would describe it?
- [11:44]
Jayson Tatum
I've came a long way.
- [11:45]
Craig Melvin
Okay.
- [11:48]
Jayson Tatum
It's been a long journey. Mentally, it's been the toughest part. Obviously, there were some physical hurdles early on, but I can honestly say, you know, 47 weeks yesterday that I'm proud of, you know, how far I've came.
- [12:08]
Craig Melvin
When are we back to 100%, you
- [12:10]
Jayson Tatum
think it's one of those things? It's. That it's hard to. Because during this process, you do a lot of strength testing, measurements, and things like that that you have to clear in order to go to the next step. Those all can be calculated and whatnot. As a basketball player, it's a feel thing. I remember what I felt like when I was at my best. I remember what I felt like physically, you know, the moment, like, right before I got hurt. So it's hard to say exactly when, you know, if it's another month or four weeks. I mean, six weeks or whatever. It's just one of those things, like, I'll know. Like, I know what it feels like. And there will be a game where it's like, all right, I bet. I know. I'm 100%.
- [12:55]
Craig Melvin
It seems to a lot of folks that this injury in particular, this Achilles injury, it's happening more often than it used to in the league. Any idea why that may be? Is that just anecdotal or is that.
- [13:10]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah, so. And trust me, I've asked a thousand people 100 different questions about how to prevent it. Why? Why does it happen? And it's. You know, every specialist I've talked to would say they'd be lying if they could tell you exactly why it happens. I remember the very next day, I got my mri, and I asked the doctor, and I was like, if I got an MRI the day before, would you have been able to, you know, tell me that I was in Risk? And he was like, honestly, you might not want to hear this, but your tendon looks perfectly healthy. It was just an unlucky moment. And that was tough to hear because it was like I was doing everything right. I was taking care of my body. I was getting treatment. I was doing all my strength work. Every game day, I was on top of it. So for him to say, your tendon looked perfectly healthy, you just got unlucky. That was a tough pill to swallow.
- [14:17]
Craig Melvin
Speaking of pills, one of the ways that you've been able to deal with this Vertex, your paid spokesperson for Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Tell me, tell me about the partnership and what led to the medication.
- [14:32]
Jayson Tatum
It was honestly really an organic thing. There's different phases of this rehab process. I had surgery the very next day. So at two weeks, you know, you get your stitches out. So after the two week mark, I got into a boot. But it wasn't until another two weeks that I was able to start 50% weight bearing. And that was when I had a conversation with Dr. O'. Malley. He was like, you know, you haven't, you know, surgically repaired and for a month, you haven't put weight on it. This is some time period where you might experience some discomfort and some pain. And I had issues the day after surgery with the opioids that the hospital prescribed me for pain. It was making me very nauseous and sick, so that didn't really work for me. And so I was hesitant. And he was like, there are other options. And that's when we had a conversation about genomics. You know, a non opioid for moderate to severe acute pain. And for my experience, that helped me during that process. And it was just perfect that I was able to have a conversation with my doctor. And it was organic. It really, you know, it was part of my story. And it led to a partnership that I'm proud to speak about and proud to work with Vertex. And more importantly, it's just, you know, using my story and my voice and platform to let people know that you have options, that you can talk to your doctor, that there are other, you know, things out there for you.
- [16:10]
Craig Melvin
More with Jason Tatum after the break.
- [16:17]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a computer comedy show. Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your league. Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent. Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty. Out on the road, it helps to have a partner like the Love's Rewards app. Download Love's Rewards and get great deals like a free Loves coffee or fountain drink. Just buy any four, any size and get the fifth one free. Love's Rewards. Save and earn at every turn. Terms apply. See website for details. Traditional home security only alerts you after a break in. And that's too Late. Simplisafe is changing that.
- [17:07]
Craig Melvin
Stop. This is Simplisafe. Police are on the way.
- [17:10]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
We don't just alert, we stop crime before it starts. Simplisafe plans starting around a dollar a day. Save 50% on your new system with professional monitor monitoring at SimpliSafe.com sxm or with promo code sxm Outdoor deterrence requires a Simplisafe active guard Outdoor protection plan starting at 49.99amonth. Visit simplisafe.com licenses for alarm license information.
- [17:29]
Craig Melvin
Tennessee 2012 let's talk about life outside basketball. Because you're dad.
- [17:38]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah.
- [17:38]
Craig Melvin
How does becoming a father, how does that change your perspective on life?
- [17:44]
Jayson Tatum
So I have. I have two boys. I have an eight year old son, Deuce, and my youngest son, Dylan, turns 2.
- [17:52]
Craig Melvin
And we've seen Deuce on the court. Yeah.
- [17:55]
Jayson Tatum
So having two kids, I was 19 when Deuce was born. And that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.
- [18:06]
Craig Melvin
At 19.
- [18:07]
Jayson Tatum
At 19.
- [18:08]
Craig Melvin
How so?
- [18:09]
Jayson Tatum
I cannot. So, you know, it wasn't planned. I didn't plan on that to happen. And it was tough because I was afraid. I was just leaving Duke. I was entering my new career. I was moving to Boston, new profession. I was starting my new life. And now I'm about to be a father. He was born in December. He was literally born 12 games into my NBA career. And I was nervous. I didn't think I was ready. I wasn't even sure I was excited about that because I was selfishly thinking about myself and my career and what I wanted. And the moment it changed was when he was born and the doctor handed him to me. And funny enough, his name, so obviously his nickname is deuce Jason Tatum Jr. That wasn't the plan. His name was supposed to be Jackson.
- [19:11]
Craig Melvin
What happened? Was that a family name? Jackson?
- [19:14]
Jayson Tatum
It was just a name that me and his mom came up with.
- [19:16]
Craig Melvin
Okay. Okay.
- [19:17]
Jayson Tatum
And I remember holding him and it. It just hit me and it was like, oh, no, this is like, he looks just like me. And I was like, I want him to be a junior. And she was like, fine. Just. She was like, we have to come up with a nickname. Cause I don't want to call him Jason. And for me, it's nothing more rewarding than being a dad. The bond that we have, the memories that we've been able to create, the responsibility that it gave me at 19 years old. Because it's tough, right? You know, 19, you walk into newfound fame and wealth. There can be a lot of bad decisions. You Know, rightfully so. You know, you're that young. Nobody can prepare you for that. For me, being a father gave me a sense of responsibility that before I made any decision, I had to think about. All right. Does he need something? Are we going on vacation? I can't go out tonight. I have to go do X, Y and Z with him. He has swim lessons tomorrow.
- [20:22]
Craig Melvin
Yes. Gives you a sense of purpose.
- [20:24]
Jayson Tatum
And that really made me grow up a lot faster than I expected. And it was. It was perfect timing.
- [20:33]
Craig Melvin
How do you think not having that in your life, growing up has shaped how you parent not having that father figure on a daily basis in your life? Or has it?
- [20:44]
Jayson Tatum
So my parents, they were high school sweethearts, and they were young, rightfully so. And my dad, I've known my dad my entire life. And, you know, I've been candid about that. You know, when I was younger, we didn't necessarily have the father and son relationship that I would have hoped for and dreamed. My dad was a college basketball star, played at Saint Louis University. He was teammates with Larry Hughes. My dad was, you know, six, seven, big guy with a bunch of. You know, he had tattoos. Like, I thought my dad was super cool. Like, I wanted to be like him. And, you know, he didn't have the best example. Example in his life, and it took me a while to understand. Give him grace on that. And I can honestly say, as I've gotten older, our relationship has gotten a lot better. But I can say that, you know, some of his shortcomings as a father helped me because, you know, I knew what I didn't want.
- [21:49]
Craig Melvin
Yes.
- [21:50]
Jayson Tatum
To happen.
- [21:51]
Craig Melvin
You strike. Are you in therapy? Because I. I can. Because, you know, I've been in therapy for years, and sometimes when. When somebody who's in therapy talks to somebody else, I can tell when. You're in therapy, aren't you?
- [22:03]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah.
- [22:03]
Craig Melvin
Yeah, I can. Do you. It's because my. You know, my. I wrote an entire book about it. My dad didn't know who his father was until he was 13 or 14. Suffered mightily with addiction for years. And I. You know, when I was in my 20s, maybe even early 30s, I had this terrible relationship. They were practically estranged. And the older I got, the angrier I got. I resented him. And then all of a sudden, you start talking to professionals, and you're like, wait a minute. I wanted him to be something he wasn't capable of being. Like, I grew up wanting Heathcliff Huxtable.
- [22:36]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah.
- [22:38]
Craig Melvin
I wanted Dr. Huxtable. And here was a guy who, again, didn't even know his dad for most of his life until my expectations were unrealistic. And it'. It sounds like you sort of made peace with that at some point, too.
- [22:50]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah, I think you just alluded to, like, I didn't want to be another black man that was, like, angry at his father, and especially, you know, my dad still living. Like, I got to a point where it's like, I want to, you know, be closer. I want us to have a better relationship than we did when I was younger. And, you know, I can honestly say actively, you know, we've gotten a lot closer, you know, as I've gotten older.
- [23:19]
Craig Melvin
Your therapist is good. I don't know how much you pay him or her, but you should give them a raise. Let's talk about philanthropy, because that's become a big, big part of who you are as well. What's. What's your. Why when it comes to philanthropy? What motivates you to be so, so generous? Not just because, you know, you're not just one of these guys that writes checks. Like, you're actually doing the work.
- [23:40]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah. Again, it started I used to have all these conversations with my mom when I was very, very young, elementary school. So I grew up in St. Louis. You know, it's a tough city, small. It wasn't a lot of positive role models, a lot of positive things happening. And, you know, my community in the city of St. Louis, and I wanted to change that. And at a very young age, like I used to tell my mom, I want to make it. I want to be the best basketball player in the world, and I want to give back. I want to. I want people from St. Louis to be proud of where they're from. I want to come back and help change my community. And more importantly, I want to inspire the next generation. And through the Jason Tatum foundation, that's exactly what we've done. We have Daddy and Deuce, toy and coat drives, Thanksgiving drives back to School Fest. I host a golf tournament every summer, will be our sixth one coming up. And like you said, for me, it's so, like, I enjoy nothing more than going back. Because, you know, the kids, they see me on tv, they see what I do to give back. But there's nothing more important than, like, them being able to see me and touch me and talk and have conversations, the joy on their faces when I come back into the gym or when I come speak to the schools or we host these events. As excited as they are, I'm equally as excited because it's like, I remember I used to be one of you guys. And, and my main message all the time is, you know, I grew up in the same city in the same situations that you all did. And you know, not that you have to be a NBA player. Right. You know, I acknowledge I'm blessed with God given ability. I'm six nine. Like everybody doesn't necessarily have that. But I want to come back and show you guys that whatever you want to do, whatever you want to accomplish in life for one that I want to help give back time and resources. And that is possible, that somebody from St. Louis that looks like you, that grew up in this environment was able to do it. And hopefully that me as a positive role model gives you the courage to dream big and dream bigger than, you know, where we came from. And, you know, that's what's most important.
- [26:16]
Craig Melvin
No, listen, and it also, you know, going back to St. Louis is also beneficial because it's, you'll never have to pay for a meal or a drink ever again in your life in the city.
- [26:25]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah.
- [26:25]
Craig Melvin
So you get to move around for free. More with Jason Tatum when we come back.
- [26:36]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show. Hey everyone, check out this guy. The in. What is this, your first date? Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your league. Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Out on the road, it's nice to have a partner who can help you make the most of your journey. A partner like the Love's Rewards app. With Love's Rewards along for the ride, you earn points on food, fuel, drinks and more every time you scan. Then you can spend those points at Love's just like cash. So every stop is even more rewarding. Download the app today and watch the points roll in mile after mile. Love's Rewards save and earn at every turn. Terms apply. See website for details. In the US there's a break in every 26 seconds. But when intruders step near Simplisafe, home security steps up.
- [27:41]
Craig Melvin
Stop. This is Simplisafe.
- [27:42]
Jayson Tatum
Police are on the way.
- [27:44]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
Using AI alerts, US based live agents help deter break ins. SimpliSafe. No long term contracts. Save 50% on your new system with professional monitoring at SimpliSafe.com sxm or with promo code sxm.
- [27:56]
Craig Melvin
Outdoor deterrence requires a Simplisafe active guard
- [27:58]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
outdoor protection plan starting at $49.99 a month. Visit simplisafe.com licenses for alarm license information.
- [28:02]
Craig Melvin
Tennessee 2012. This is a section called Craig's Curiosity. So these are questions that I've always just genuinely wondered about when it comes to Jason Tam. All right, Celtics group chat. Who's the most active? Who texts the most?
- [28:21]
Jayson Tatum
Me?
- [28:22]
Craig Melvin
Really encouraging things or are you trash talking people in the chat?
- [28:28]
Jayson Tatum
It's more like group events, you know, for like, yo, we should go to dinner tonight. Or you're the organizer sometimes. Yeah.
- [28:36]
Craig Melvin
Yeah. What are you listening to before the game?
- [28:39]
Jayson Tatum
Like, what type of music artists? Jay Z or Jay Z or Drake.
- [28:45]
Craig Melvin
Is there a particular song?
- [28:47]
Jayson Tatum
It depends on the day which album I'm listening to. But those are like, my two favorite artists.
- [28:52]
Craig Melvin
How does the day determine the. The song?
- [28:54]
Jayson Tatum
I wish I had a rhyme or reason. It's just, you know, one week it might just be I'm just listening to Jay Z. And then, you know, I might go a week I'm just listening to Trick.
- [29:06]
Craig Melvin
What's your go to? Pre game meal?
- [29:08]
Jayson Tatum
I eat the same thing every single day. Pre game.
- [29:12]
Craig Melvin
You're not gonna believe this. I was talking to Anthony Davis a while back.
- [29:15]
Jayson Tatum
He said the same thing.
- [29:17]
Craig Melvin
Yes. And what he eats before game boggled my mind. Before, I tell you. What do you eat before a game?
- [29:25]
Jayson Tatum
My chef, she makes me a chicken teriyaki bowl with white rice and veggies.
- [29:32]
Craig Melvin
Okay, that. That actually sounds legit. Like, that's a. That's a reasonably healthy meal for an NBA star to have before the game. Do you know what Anthony Davis has been eating before games for more than a decade now?
- [29:44]
Jayson Tatum
Chipotle.
- [29:45]
Craig Melvin
No. Chicken Alfredo.
- [29:48]
Jayson Tatum
That's not bad.
- [29:49]
Craig Melvin
Chicken Alfredo. The cream sauce before the game. Like carbs, but the cream sauce, that's. That's a heavy meal, don't you think?
- [29:58]
Jayson Tatum
I mean, it's a big guy.
- [30:00]
Craig Melvin
That's true. He is bigger. I didn't give him grace on that, and I should have. You're right. And he didn't. But he didn't defend himself with that. Which of your signature Jordan brand shoes has been your favorite? Oh, it's like choosing a favorite child. Well, you. You're struggling with this one because they
- [30:20]
Jayson Tatum
all hold a special moment in my life. Like, you always remember your first. Yeah, so my first signature shoe is. That was like dream come true. Everybody dreams of that. My second signature shoe. We won the championship My third signature shoe was my favorite and was when I felt like it was the best year of my career, but it was also when I tore my Achilles. Fourth signature shoe is special is because it's like Jason Tatum returns. It would be impossible to pick a favorite. They all equally hold a special place in my heart.
- [31:04]
Craig Melvin
I mean, you could have picked one. You just chose not to. You just sat there. But I get it. I get it, I get it. Favorite St. Louis musical artist, Nelly. Of course. Anytime you talk to anybody from St. Louis who's been born the last 25 years, it's the same answer. Nelly.
- [31:20]
Jayson Tatum
Yeah. And me and Nelly, we grew up in the same neighborhood. Like, that's like family.
- [31:25]
Craig Melvin
Two questions for the road. What's one moment that Jayson Tatum's still chasing?
- [31:31]
Jayson Tatum
I would say winning another championship and holding up finals mvp.
- [31:38]
Craig Melvin
Can you do it in Boston?
- [31:40]
Jayson Tatum
Absolutely. And especially after what I've been through, it would. It would mean that much more.
- [31:47]
Craig Melvin
What. What's one moment that you hope people remember you for?
- [31:52]
Jayson Tatum
One moment.
- [31:53]
Craig Melvin
One moment. Just one. You gotta pick one. And maybe that moment hasn't even happened yet. It could be a moment in the past or a moment in the future.
- [32:00]
Jayson Tatum
I think we all have a story, and, you know, as much as we would like our story to be smooth sailing and straight, it's not like that. What I've learned is we all go through adversity. We don't get to choose the adversity that we go through, but we do get to choose how we respond to it. And, you know, I'm not the only person that's ever been injured or went through a tough time. I obviously understand the platform that I have and, you know, being on a stage like the NBA and being, you know, who I am, the visibility of what I went through. I just hope that, you know, people will remember that he was a fighter. And, you know, what he did was inspirational, not only to athletes, but hopefully people around the world that just show up. Half the battle is showing up every day. And, you know, if I showed up every day to rehab, you know, I could get through the rest of it.
- [33:02]
Craig Melvin
Even on day 45.
- [33:03]
Jayson Tatum
Even on day 45.
- [33:06]
Craig Melvin
There you have it. Jason Tatum. And you thought you knew him. Really enjoyed the conversation. And it's one of those things where you spend some time with Jayson Tatum and you understand why he is so doggone fascinating. He's been through a lot. He's going through a lot. But I got a hankering feeling that Jayson Tatum was probably going to be hosting another NBA trophy pretty soon. So anyway, I hope you enjoyed that conversation as much as I did. The corporate overlords here at 30 Rock always want me to encourage you to do the five things download share Comment Like Subscribe I've finally gotten all five down from memory. Until next time, I hope your glass is Half full This episode of Glass Half Full is produced by Tyree Nobles and Jarrett Crawford, along with Brooke Glatz. Video production is by Michael Simon and Kalan Griffiths. Audio production is by Doug Hamilton. Our editor is Ali Strom, and Juliana Masterilli is our audio engineer. Ashley Domagola is our production manager. Sadie Bass is our supervising producer. Our head of audio production is Jessica Finten. Ariana Davis Santana is our executive editor. I'm Craig Melford and this has been Glass Half Full, a production of the Today Show. See you next week.
- [34:41]
Jayson Tatum
This is the table. The one with the view. This is how you reserve exclusive tables with Chase Sapphire Reserve. This is your name on the list. This is the chef sending you something he didn't put on the menu. This is 3 times points on dining with Chase Sapphire reserve and a $300 dining credit that covered the citrus pavlova and drinks and the thing you didn't think you liked until you tasted it. Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.
- [35:06]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
Learn more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval. And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show. Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your league. Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.