Justin Tatum, Celtics star's father, promoted to lead Australian NBL team

Updated Nov. 14, 2023 7:20 a.m. ET

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BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum took some time out after his 35-point outburst against the New York Knicks on Monday night to congratulate his father, Justin, on his recent promotion to interim head coach of the Australian National Basketball League team Illawarra.

“I’m extremely happy for him and proud of him,” Tatum said. “It’s a big step. I know he’s trying to build his resume, his coaching career.”

Justin Tatum was a high school state champion as a player who led Saint Louis to an NCAA tournament berth and remains on the Billikens' all-time top 10 for blocked shots. He played three years in the Netherlands before returning home to coach his high school to three Missouri state championships.

The elder Tatum had been an assistant coach for Illawarra after joining the Hawks as a North American scout and special advisor to basketball operations. He was promoted to interim head coach when the team fired Jacob Jackomas this week after a 2-7 start.

“I’m excited for him,” Jayson Tatum said. “And looking forward to him kind of changing that organization around.”

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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