Why things got so icy between Brown and Tatum
The Boston Globe • • sports
Key Points:
- Jaylen Brown resented being labeled as "option 1B" behind Jayson Tatum, despite outperforming him during Tatum's injury absence in the 2024 season.
- Tatum was disappointed by Brown winning both conference finals and Finals MVP awards in 2024 but blamed the voters rather than Brown himself.
- The 2025 season strained their relationship as Tatum rehabbed an Achilles injury while Brown led the Celtics, enjoying MVP chants and team success, which fueled mutual jealousy.
- Tatum returned in March 2026 but struggled to regain his prior status, while Brown faced the reality of returning to a secondary role after being traded to the 76ers, which deeply upset him.
- Despite public gestures of reconciliation from Tatum, tension remains between the former teammates, with their next meeting set for January 21, potentially allowing time for their relationship to improve.
