Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are about to begin their fifth season together as teammates on the Boston Celtics.
While the duo played in the All-Star Game together for the first time last season -- it was Brown's first appearance, Tatum's second -- the Celtics finished with their worst winning percentage (.500, 36-36) since before either player was drafted and were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, their earliest exit together.
Nevertheless, Brown said that his relationship with Tatum, which he believes is centered around respect, has definitely grown a lot and that he enjoys playing with him.
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"We both put a lot into this game, regardless of what I do off the court or what people think I do off the court," Brown told reporters Wednesday at Celtics training camp. "I respect Jayson and he is one of the best players in this game...I think he can be one of the best players when it's all said and done. I think the same about myself. So, I think respect is what the relationship is centered around."
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Brown shot down a media narrative that there "has to be a Batman and Robin," stating that he and Tatum are just "two guys who can hoop."
Players like that can coexist, Brown said, adding that he wants what's best for Tatum and that Tatum wants what's best for Brown.
"He's a guy I trust out there to make plays," Brown said. "I know he trusts me out there as well."
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The duo, drafted third overall in the 2016 and 2017 drafts, respectively, are under contract for three more seasons together with the Celtics. Brown's deal expires following the 2023-24 campaign, Tatum's the following year -- although there is a player option for 2025-26.