Bradley Beal is undoubtedly one of the most versatile players in the NBA. He has been a part of the league for more than a decade and has consistently delivered impressive performances. Beal maintains positive relationships with other basketball players, but his bond with Jayson Tatum stands out distinctly. They have known each other since childhood, and Beal serves as a big brother and mentor to the young star.
Despite a five-year age gap (Beal was born on June 28, 1993, while Tatum was born on March 3, 1998), both players were born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. When Tatum was a toddler, Beal even babysat him. They attended the same high school, Chaminade College Prep, although not at the same time.
Interestingly, Tatum played for Beal’s AAU team, where he honed his remarkable basketball skills. Their journeys unfolded on different timelines, eventually leading them to the NBA. Beal attended the University of Florida after high school and made his NBA debut in 2012. On the other hand, Tatum joined Duke University after his high school career and was drafted in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Despite joining the league in 2012 and 2017 respectively, it wasn’t until 2021 that Bradley Beal and Jayson Tatum had the opportunity to play together. Both players were selected by Kevin Durant for his squad in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, an experience they cherished forever. Tatum contributed 21 points in 17 minutes, while Beal scored 31 points in 31 minutes.
Speaking about the experience, Tatum emphasized their close bond, saying, “That’s my brother forever. It was very unique and awesome to be able to share a floor with him, for us both to get going.” He expressed their excitement and happiness, emphasizing the importance of St. Louis boys sticking together.
Before the game, Tatum mentioned how everyone knows about their close relationship and shared history. He said, “Two guys from the same high school, same neighborhood, kind of grew up together, starting in the All-Star game from St. Louis, it doesn’t get any better than that.” Fans were thrilled to see their favorite players living their dreams.
Both Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal speak highly of each other and acknowledge their influence on each other’s successful careers. In 2022, Tatum recorded a video message for Beal, expressing his gratitude and giving him credit for his own achievements. This message left Beal emotional, as he reflected on witnessing Tatum’s successful career. He appreciated the recognition and acknowledged the impact his older brother had on him.
The relationship between Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal extends to their children as well. Tatum’s son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., and Beal’s children, Bradley Beal II and Braylen Beal, share a good relationship. The wife of the Suns star, Kamiah Adams-Beal, shared an adorable picture of them along with the children of Draymond Green and Damian Lillard. She expressed her anticipation for them to recreate the picture in 20 years, symbolizing the future. Fans found this post heartwarming and showered their love and blessings.