Fans tuning into the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft will be greeted by a familiar face. Granted, it's one who lurks in the shadows more often than not.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum has been pivotal to the league's growth over the past two decades. Come every May, he gets his first close-up as the host of the NBA Draft lottery. Just over a month later, Tatum gets another moment in the spotlight as he announces second-round picks in the NBA Draft.
Here's what you need to know about one of the game's unsung contributors.
MORE: Live grades & analysis for every pick in Round 1 of the 2023 NBA Draft
Who is Mark Tatum?
As the league's deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, Tatum wears a lot of hats. He spearheads some of the league office's more important functions, including global partnerships, marketing and global strategy. When he's not chopping it up with billion-dollar companies, he's handling matters for the G League.
Since being hired in 1999, Tatum has earned plaudits for business acumen. He led the league's push to stitch corporate sponsorships on team jerseys and helped facilitate the G League's collaboration with Gatorade. He also helped orchestrate Nike's partnership with the NBA, WNBA, and G League — each league is outfitted by the sports apparel supernova.
Tatum isn't the most vocal of figures in the NBA's toolkit. But he's among its most versatile, even filling in for commissioner Adam Silver to present the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the Warriors last summer.
Is Mark Tatum related to Jayson Tatum?
Despite sharing a last name with Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, the two are not related. Perhaps they're brothers in arms, though; both are custodians of the game and all of its glory.
Then again, Mark Tatum represents the governors' interests. Jayson Tatum does not. So, maybe not.
MORE: Who is Jayson Tatum's father?
Where is Adam Silver?
Tatum represents the league's interest as the draft goes on, filling in for league commissioner Adam Silver, who gets plenty of run throughout the draft's first round.
Of course, Silver's night doesn't end when the first round does, as he makes his way to handle more of his commisioner duties.
