Jayson Tatum: Kyrie Irving is 'like my big brother'

From the outside, it's easy to assume that Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum may not be on the best of terms given Irving's brief, tumultuous time with the Boston Celtics. But according to Tatum, the two have remained friends and have even spoken a few times during the playoffs. Tatum even said he looks to Irving like a "big brother."

"Ky is like my big brother," Tatum said. "We still talk to this day, and we've talked a few times this playoffs. He always encourages me to be special. Having that relationship with him and having somebody like him in my ear at a young age, it means a lot."

Having somebody to look up to like Irving certainly appears to be paying off for Tatum, as he is currently experiencing his best season in the pros. He averaged 23.4 points and seven rebounds this season, earning his first All-Star appearance due to his excellent play. He has been equally impressive in the playoffs, leading the Celtics to six straight wins to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers and take a commanding 2-0 lead over the defending champion Toronto Raptors.

As for Irving, while his tenure in Boston did not go as planned, he is hoping he will find more success in Brooklyn, as he and Kevin Durant appear primed to make the Nets a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. The Nets made the playoffs this season, but without Irving and Durant, they were easily bested by the Raptors in a clean sweep.