Jayson Tatum Says Sometimes Missing Son Deuce's Birthday Is a Downside to NBA Dad Life: 'They Grow Up So Fast'

Jayson Tatum is opening up about the highs and lows of being a father and a professional athlete as he prepares for another NBA season

Jayson Tatum is opening up about NBA dad life.

The Boston Celtics star, 29, served as a guest contributor for the NBA's Starting 5 newsletter, where he talked about balancing his career as a professional athlete with parenting son Jayson "Deuce" Christopher Jr., 5½.

Tatum noted that there are great moments that he feels fortunate to share with his little boy, saying, "The best part about being his dad in season is the games. That’s something we have really bonded over."

"He loves watching me play, coming to the game and being in the Garden, running around in the back and playing in the locker room. Just seeing him develop over the years, his personality grows, especially in the Garden, has been amazing to see because we have grown up there together," the proud dad shared.

There are some times that having to put his career first is hard for Tatum as a dad, as he pointed out it sometimes means missing his little guy's birthday.

"Tough thing, depending on our schedule, is missing his birthday. There have been a few years when I wasn’t with him for his birthday. Also, not being able to go to every school event and or basketball practice because we are on the road," he said. " Even though this is my 7th season, it’s still something that’s not easy to deal with because you never want to miss those things. They grow up so fast."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: Jayson Tatum's Son Deuce Enjoys Dunk Contest and Halftime Show Puppy at Boston Celtics Playoff Game

Whether basketball is in season or not, Tatum makes it a point to start his day with Deuce when they're together.

"Now Deuce is in school, so there are days when I am waking up at 6:30 am to get up and get him dressed and ready for school, regardless of my responsibilities for the day because I know how important it is to him for me to take him to school," he shared.

"Being a dad is the most important thing to me, so no matter what my schedule is, I will always find time to spend with him and some of my favorite memories come from our car rides."

The two also enjoy a lot of adventures together during Tatum's months off. "Off-season is best for vacations and going back home to St. Louis with Deuce. The offseason is a time when we get to go out the country, go to the beach and swim all day, as he loves to do."

"It’s a great feeling, as a parent, knowing that I can help provide the things for my son and show him the world in a way that I didn’t get to as a child," Tatum continued. "Also taking him back home and having him around my basketball camps as well as the back-to-school giveaways and golf event for my foundation. It is important to me that he is a part of giving back to the community, even at a young age."

Tatum was 19 when he welcomed his son Deuce, who has since become a big hit with the Celtics and with players across the NBA. Tatum shares Deuce with ex-girlfriend Toriah Lachell.

In a press conference last year, the NBA star spoke about being a role model as a dad and close bond with his son.

"I think 2017 when I got drafted, I didn't have Deuce, but he was born in 2017 so that was big, that was the biggest year of my life, right? Starting this new chapter in my career, I just had a child," Tatum explained.

"My mindset was not to sacrifice either, that I was going to be the best father as I could as well as the best basketball player," he continued. "There was no guideline or there was no exact way to do it. It was all about what was natural."

"I just do what's natural. I'm around him every day. I think being able to go through this journey together, because I was 19 when I got drafted, it's kind of like we're growing up together," Tatum continued. "As he's gotten older, I'm going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up. I think it's the coolest part for me."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.