NBA superstar Jayson Tatum has responded after he and Boston Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown drew comparisons to the greatest duo in basketball history in Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
It comes off the back of a big Celtics win, with the two men combining for 77 points as Jaylen Brown scored 39 points with Tatum adding 38 against the Houston Rockets, now winning three games in a row after a rocky few games.
Whilst Tatum has been developing into a superstar over the last two seasons, Brown has taken a big leap this season, especially offensively, whilst also being one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
This, along with their insane statistics, has seen a few bring up the Jordan-Pippen comparison in conversation, something which Tatum took umbrage with.
He responded: "Last year y’all wanted to trade one of us," Tatum said. "Now you’re saying Mike and Scottie. We’re not as bad as you said, but we’re not as good as Mike and Scottie."
It's been a conversation that analysts have had over the last few years - whether the two could coexist on the same team, something which they have clearly answered after going to the NBA finals, and starting this season as one of the best teams in the league.
But Brown has still been in trade talks, even after the finals appearance, with numerous sources indicating the Celtics might be interested in moving him for Kevin Durant - who had requested a trade.
Whilst Durant is playing at an elite level, Brown is eight years younger and still has room to improve his game - with the Celtics extending their championship window so long as they keep the two together.
But Tatum is seemingly not interested in the comparisons, knowing he'd have to win several championships to compare with the two aforementioned - who won six rings together with the Chicago Bulls.
Tatum is currently amongst the favourite to win the MVP award this season.
The Celtics have had struggles in recent weeks, but have been boosted by the return of center Robert Williams, who is key to their defensive scheme. Williams will be eased back into the starting line-up, as they hope to have him ready for the post-season, alongside Tatum, Brown, Al Horford and defensive player of the year Marcus Smart.
