BOSTON -- Jayson Tatum was no different than a lot of kids growing up when it came to his father, Justin Tatum.
The younger Tatum wanted to be just like pops, all the way down to being a big-time basketball talent (his dad played in college at St. Louis and later, overseas), to rocking a bunch of tattoos — just like Dad.
Jayson Tatum has a new addition to his tattoo collection, the most recent being unveiled on Friday night when the Boston Celtics host the Indiana Pacers.
The latest Tatum tattoo is one in which his high school jersey and college jerseys are overlapped, on his calf.
Boston had not played since Tuesday’s win over Cleveland, so Tatum took the extra time in between to get a tattoo.
Tatum has a handful of other tattoos, including one to honor his mother Brandy Cole as well as his son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr.
MORE CELTICS
While they both serve as daily motivation and inspiration for Tatum, the whole idea of honoring them by way of a tattoo began with his dad.
Boston Celtics
Find the latest Boston Celtics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
“I always wanted to be like my dad so I always wanted to get tattoos,” Tatum said.
He recalls getting tattoos for his wrists right before the start of his rookie season.
“And it hurt so bad, I was like I’m never doing it again,” Tatum said. “But then I had a son so that was my next tattoo. I wanted something to compliment this leg. Then I got a picture of my mom.”
And the ideas for new tattoos will continue to come and go for Tatum, all in some way connected to who is and what he values most.
But there is a downside to getting tattoos that Tatum has no hesitation about bringing up.
“They hurt though, every time, they hurt,” Tatum said.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.