Fansided

Jayson Tatum grateful for time as teammate with Kyrie Irving

By Steven Kubitza

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics smiles with teammate Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in game against the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden on February 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics smiles with teammate Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in game against the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden on February 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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Jayson Tatum only had great things to say about Kyrie Irving and their time together on the Celtics. 

Jayson Tatum was selected No. 3 overall by the Boston Celtics in 2017 and joined a new-look squad that featured Kyrie Irving as the star in town. As we know now, things didn’t go as planned.

Irving was gone after two seasons and the Celtics got yet another fresh start with Tatum leading the way as a young star. The 23-year-old All-Star recently spoke with FanSided’s Mark Carman on a variety of topics, including his time playing alongside Irving.

Jayson Tatum only has positive things to say about his former teammate

“I enjoyed it, my first two years in the league, being on the team with him,” Tatum said. “Obviously, we didn’t achieve the ultimate goal, but there was a lot of learning experiences. Somebody I’m still really close with today. Obviously, a hell of a basketball player, a hell of a person. I mean, I enjoyed it. Obviously, there were ups and downs and things like that. But you know, I feel like that’s with any team you can say that about.”

Tatum reached the NBA and was immediately playing alongside a champion in Irving. Unfortunately, injuries struck, and what was supposed to be a long-term plan ended with Irving leaving for Brooklyn.

But Tatum and other young Celtics such as Jaylen Brown got a chance to play with one of the game’s best. Irving take a lot of heat for his personality, but Tatum only having positive things to say shows how he really is as a teammate.

Tatum also said he still likes a good battle on the court against his one-time teammate.

“I enjoyed playing against Ky,” Tatum said. “Often talking to each other during the game, before and after. So it’s always fun playing against somebody that you have a relationship with.”

There is clearly no bad blood between the former teammates, nor should there be. Tatum learned from one of the game’s best players and has blossomed into a star since Irving departed for New York City.

dark. Next. Jayson Tatum still confident in Celtics

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