Ex-NBA Star explain’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s dynamic

There’s been plenty of speculation over the years about Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s off-court relationship.

A lack of public appearances together seems to fuel a view that the young stars don’t actually get along or hang out away from basketball. While on the court, they’re guiding the Celtics on another long postseason run, but the off-court concerns still persist.

Speaking on FanDuel TV, former NBA player Lou Williams gave some insight into what the pair’s relationship is actually like. Celtics fans can rest a little easier with his explanation.

“I’ll open the curtain up, they absolutely do hang out,” Williams said. “I’ve been a person that’s been with them on several occasions, but they’re both private men. They don’t live these lives where cameras are following them everywhere. … They’re private about their personal lives, they’re private about their families, they’re private about how they move.

“I’ve seen them on a number of occasions, hanging out, being friends.”

Regardless of their relationship, Tatum and Brown haven’t had trouble taking turns being “the guy” on any given night for Boston. On Thursday, it was Brown’s time to shine, matching a career playoff high with 40 points in the Celtics’ Game 2 win over Indiana. That performance came on the same day he was left off the All-NBA teams.

In Game 1, Tatum notched 36 points in Boston’s OT win, and Brown scored the clutch three to send the game to an extra frame. The dynamic duo is seeking their first NBA championship, and has their best shot at the title this season.

If Williams’s view is accurate, the Tatm-Brown rumors are overblown. And even if they aren’t, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down Boston’s quest for banner 18.