Tatum Makes Confident NBA Finals, MVP Predictions on ‘The Tonight Show’

Tatum makes confident predictions about NBA Finals and MVP on ‘The Tonight Show’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It was a golden summer for Jayson Tatum.

The Boston Celtics superstar won his first NBA championship and second Olympic gold medal, signed the largest contract in NBA history, was named the cover athlete for “NBA 2K25” and unveiled the third edition of his signature shoe line.

Now the 26-year-old can add a new title to his resume: children’s book writer.

Tatum published a new picture book Tuesday, “Baby Dunks-a-Lot,” with co-author Sam Apple and illustrator Parker-Nia Gordon. The book, which tells the story of an incredible dunk baby who becomes an NBA player, is inspired by Tatum’s life as an NBA star and a father.

The five-time NBA All-Star dedicated the children’s book to his son, Deuce, and mother, Brandy, crediting his mother with helping him pursue his dreams and make them a reality.

“My mom is my best friend and she always encouraged me to create things, to believe in yourself,” Tatum said during an appearance on “The Tonight Show” on Wednesday. “I always had a goal. We always had a plan of what I was trying to accomplish and I think it’s so important to have that support system, someone who believes in you like she did, because I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Fallon even provided proof. The host cited an essay in which a 9-year-old Tatum correctly predicted that he would not only make the NBA, but also play in the Olympics. He was even right about the age he would be when he started his NBA career, as he was 19 when the Celtics selected him third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

There were a few things wrong with Tatum’s predictions, though. A 9-year-old Tatum said he would be drafted by the Phoenix Suns and then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fallon decided to put Tatum’s foresight to the test with a series of predictions for the upcoming NBA season.

First, Fallon wondered whether the New York Knicks, the host’s favorite team and the Celtics’ rival, would win more or fewer games than last season.

“They’re going to win a few more,” Tatum told an elated Fallon.

Fallon then asked who would be the NBA MVP next year, to which Tatum replied, “Can I say it myself?” He also said that Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is the NBA player who would be the best WWE wrestler and that Jimmy Kimmel would win a 1-on-1 basketball tournament between each late night host.

Tatum’s biggest prediction came after Fallon asked which two teams would be in the 2025 NBA Finals. Tatum said he predicts a rematch of the 2024 championship series that saw the Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks.

“It’s going to be a rematch. We’re going to play Dallas again,” Tatum said.