Jaylen Brown on Jayson Tatum: 'No beef, but there might be some lamb chops' New York Times (Online) Tony Jones PHILADELPHIA — It is probably safe to say Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Philadelphia 76ers star Jaylen Brown — teammates in Boston for a decade — won't be swapping holiday cards. On the record, they have both said they don't have beef with the other. But that hasn't stopped the tension from simmering. Recently, Tatum shared his viewpoint of Brown's exit from Boston in a video. Brown commented under the clip with the “cap” emoji , which is often used to accuse a person of being dishonest. Tatum addressed the matter Friday night in Boston, saying he hoped to meet with his former teammate to talk about their relationship. On Saturday night, following Philadelphia's 127-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, it was Brown's turn to speak. “I think he's right. There's no beef,” Brown said. “Jayson comes from a wonderful family. We've accomplished some great things. He's a hell of a basketball player. He's got a great PR team. “There's no beef, but there might be a little lamb chops — and some gravy. He should stay ready at all times.” Tatum and Brown made the NBA Finals twice as a duo with the Celtics and came away with one championship. For years, they were one of the best forward pairings in the league. Then, things began to take a turn for Brown last season. With Tatum making his way back from a torn Achilles, Brown led the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But Philadelphia beat the Celtics in the first round. Despite having the best year of his career, averaging 28 points per game and making second-team All-NBA, Brown became expendable in Boston. The situation messy on multiple levels. Boston tried to put Brown in a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But when that fell through, it became clear that Brown would have to be dealt. A bridge for a potential return to Boston no longer existed. When Brown got traded to Philadelphia, he received pointed criticism online concerning his game and how helpful a player he actually was, despite his gaudy statistics. Brown, in his first public comments after the trade, went on his Twitch livestream and said he felt disrespected in the process of being traded. He repeated that sentiment in his introductory news conference with the 76ers. Ironically, Brown and Tatum have gotten off to great starts in their first season without each other. Tatum scored 36 points in a win over the New York Knicks on Friday. Brown has been a rock on both ends of the floor for the Sixers. On Saturday night, his 30th birthday, Brown scored 27 points in the win over the Bucks. He spearheaded Thursday night's historic comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring several crucial baskets down the stretch. He's been one of the best defenders on the roster, and one of Philadelphia's most versatile pieces. Of all the new stars on the Sixers, Brown's arguably had the most to adjust to. He was the unquestioned top option in Boston last season and is now one of several top options with the Sixers. He didn't need to defer to anyone last season. That's not his situation this season. But his teammates have taken notice of his motor on both ends of the floor. They have encouraged and implored him to remain aggressive. “We just want him to be himself,” Philadelphia star center Joel Embiid said. “I keep repeating it: 'Just be yourself. We got you. Attack and put your head down.' That's what he does best. The load on him is a little lighter than it has been. So, defensively, we know that he's got it in him. He's been very good so far.” Brown and the Sixers face the Celtics on Nov. 10 in Philadelphia. It could be the first time Brown and Tatum match up against each other: The two teams played twice in the preseason, but neither played in the same game. “There's no beef. It should never be that. It's just basketball,” Brown said Saturday. “We're both blessed. But there might be a little lamb chop. “We'll be alright.”