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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) celebrate after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) celebrate after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
There have been multiple rumors surrounding Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Most of them surfaced recently after Brown won the NBA Finals MVP over Tatum. Later, he was snubbed from playing for the national team. Critics and fans believe that the two are not close. Additionally, there have been rumors that Tatum wants the front office to trade Brown. All of these talks didn’t go unnoticed, as Tatum recently addressed them all.
Now, both players are phenomenal and have proven their worth since they were young. When Team USA picked Derrick White over Jaylen Brown (JB) as Kawhi Leonard‘s replacement, Brown took to Twitter to voice his opinions. At the time, Tatum didn’t comment on the situation. But as he gears up for the first group stage game on Sunday, he has now cleared all the rumors and misconceptions.
“I’ve always told him that maybe I could have done a better job of voicing my feelings in the public eye. He always knew that I wanted him here. I would always tell him like, ‘Man, I don’t get involved with any of those talks’ I never went to Brad or went to any player like, ‘Yo, I want this guy in, I want this guy out of here’ I show up and I want to do my job and play basketball… I feel like maybe I could have done a better job of publicly saying, ‘No, we don’t want anybody, we want JB’ I just was always like, ‘I want to stay out of it.’ ”, Tatum told Sports Illustrated.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) react in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
What’s your reaction?
Did Jayson Tatum just put the Jaylen Brown rift rumors to rest? React!
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At the end of the day, things are amicable between JB and Tatum, and that’s what matters. There’s no doubt that Brown deserved to be on the national team this year, though other controversies affected his candidacy. Regardless, it’s reassuring to know there is no friction between the teammates beyond the rumors. Additionally, both players complement each other’s game, and their hard work earned them success this past season.
Given how stacked the national team is including the big three, it does affect Brown, missing out on the opportunity. Moreover, he has there of his teammates on the tour. This could lead to a locker room problem for the Celtics, but then that’s up to the front office to take care of. And for the most part, Brown wasn’t a hyped-up Finals MVP. There have been times when Brown wasn’t appreciated enough. However, he has played up to expectations quite often. Does this make him the best player on the Celtics? That may be debatable, but he has certainly done his part of the job quite efficiently.
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Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have a lot to look forward to
No, Jaylen Brown is not going to be traded and no, Tatum isn’t against his teammate. In fact, the Celtics are in the middle of building a dynasty. Derrick White, Porzingis, Holiday, and others have all contributed to the championship run. The front office is not going to let any of them go anywhere. While they are struggling with taxes as the owners have put the franchise for sale. But, the roster and the core remain the same.
What’s your perspective on:
Is the Tatum-Brown 'rift' just media hype, or is there real tension in the Celtics' camp?
Have an interesting take?
The duo has a long way to go and they have just started. Also, the franchise will prioritize Tatum and Brown moving forward, building the roster around them. It will be interesting to see the two next season, as they look to defend their title, still standing as the strongest team in the East. What are your thoughts on the duo’s relationship? Do you think Tatum and Brown will lead the Celtics to another title? Let us know in the comments.
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Debate
Is the Tatum-Brown 'rift' just media hype, or is there real tension in the Celtics' camp?