Former NBA guard Jeff Teague has discussed the competitive relationship between Philadelphia 76ers forward Jaylen Brown and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, suggesting that both players have long wanted to establish themselves as the better player.
Teague, who played alongside Brown and Tatum in Boston during the 2020-21 season, said he noticed competition between the two forwards, although he emphasized that their relationship was not personally hostile.
“When I was there with the Celtics, I’m going to keep it real, there was always some tension. It wasn’t bad tension, it was competitive tension. Jaylen Brown was the No. 3 pick. Jayson Tatum came the next year as the No. 3 pick, and JT started immediately. JB had to work for his.”
According to Teague, Brown was motivated by the recognition Tatum received early in his career.
He believes that competition became more significant when Brown had an opportunity to lead Boston during Tatum’s absence.
“It was just a little competitive beef, like, ‘They think he’s better than me.’ JB has always been up for that fight. Last year, JT was out and JB got a chance to show what he could do. He showed that he was an elite player. So now JB is like, ‘I want to be in those same conversations they put your name in.’”
Teague suggested that the Celtics’ decision to prioritize Tatum contributed to the rivalry, with Brown wanting to prove that he deserved similar recognition.
“It ain’t beef off the court. I don’t have a problem with you. Like he said, you’ve got a beautiful family. I rock with y’all. But on the court, they need to know I’m just as good as you, or I’m better. And they had to make a decision. They picked you. So now, yeah, you’re right, it’s beef, or lamb chops.”
Despite the competition, Teague maintained that the two players could have a good relationship away from basketball while still challenging each other on the court.
“There’s no beef, but it might be a little lamb chops and some gravy. He should stay ready at all times. I don’t mean stay ready when you’re walking down the street, because I don’t have a real problem with you. But when we get on this court, I’m at your neck.”
Teague also referenced an NBA All-Star Game in which Brown challenged Tatum one-on-one, interpreting the moment as another example of Brown’s desire to prove himself against his teammate.
“You could even see it in the All-Star Game when Jaylen got his chance to go one-on-one against JT. Teammates don’t usually do that. They’re laughing and joking. But for him to say, ‘Nah, come on. Let’s play real quick in front of everybody,’ that was basically him saying, ‘I’m just as good as you. I’m on that level.’”
