Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'

In a league where even the most successful partnerships have trouble lasting, it'll take more than on-court achievements for the Celtics' star pairing of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to endure.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in three of their first five years together.

That includes the star tandem helping engineer the most impressive in-season turnaround in NBA history last year, as Boston went from 11th in the East in mid-January to coming within two wins of raising banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters.

In a sit-down interview with Stadium's Shams Charania, Brown expressed the following about his relationship with Tatum.

"We compete, we push each other, we learn from each other, and I think a lot of our relationship has been built off of that dynamic of respect. And that's the beautiful part of it."

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The two-time All-Star also conveyed, "I've seen him grow as a man. He's seen me grow as a man. I get why, I guess in a sense, people always try to break up duos or people like that, because so far, we've been incredibly successful, and hopefully, we can be even more; (the) only thing that would put the ribbon on top is getting a championship."

Celtics fans should also appreciate Brown's mindset about sharing the spotlight with another star wing expected to finish in the top five for MVP.

"Jayson being the ultimate version of him doesn't stop me from being the ultimate version of myself," and "At this point, we’re a part of each other’s destiny."

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Brown, 26, is generating 26.7 points and 6.8 rebounds this season, which are career highs. He's also dishing out 3.4 assists and averaging a steal per contest.

Tatum, 25, is producing 30.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, representing career highs. He's also swiping a steal per game.

From Boston's team accomplishments to All-Star nods, Tatum making the All-NBA First Team last season, and Brown possibly earning All-NBA honors this campaign, there's been a considerable amount of team and individual accolades. And they're just reaching their primes.

But, whether it's wanting to be the unquestioned best player on a team, what friends and family are putting in a player's ear, media members constantly calling for a breakup, or repeatedly being the subject of trade rumors, it's difficult for even the most successful of NBA partnerships to endure.

Kevin Durant left the Warriors after three seasons and two championships. Had he stayed healthy, they presumably would've gone three for three.

LeBron James took his talents from South Beach after four years and two titles. And Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant three-peated, went to four-straight NBA Finals, and then separated.

Tatum and Brown not only thriving together but enjoying the other's success is essential to a partnership so successful but so fragile continuing for years to come.

Further Reading

Celtics Down a Starter and May Be Without Jaylen Brown vs. Sixers

Will the Celtics Prioritize Push for the 1 Seed or Rest? Joe Mazzulla Sheds Light on Boston's Approach

Al Horford Endorses Derrick White for NBA All-Defensive First Team

[Film Room] What the Celtics Did to Slow Down Giannis Antetokounmpo in Blowout vs. Bucks

Jayson Tatum Wasn't Supposed to Play vs. the Jazz, But Celtics' Travel Delay Added to His Motivation to 'Go Through it with the Guys'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Jazz: On a Chippy Night in Boston, Counterpunches Propel the Hosts to Victory

The Celtics are Proud of Their Growth, Including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Maturation: 'I think We're a Better Team'

Former Warriors' Director of Performance Keke Lyles Shares His Perspective on Load Management, Changing Stephen Curry's Movement Patterns, And What's Helped Jayson Tatum's Durability