Tatum: Starting alongside Beal in ASG ‘a really special moment'

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The 2021 NBA All-Star draft was held during the Boston Celtics' 132-125 win over the Toronto Raptors.

And Jayson Tatum got exactly what he wanted in the draft.

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No, he wasn't paired with his Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown. Jaylen "Underappreciated" Brown will be suiting up for LeBron James' squad.

But Tatum will be starting as a part of Kevin Durant's team. And starting next to him will be his long-time friend and fellow St. Louisan Bradley Beal.

After the C's win, Tatum shared his enthusiasm about getting to play next to Beal.

Tatum put into perspective just how rare it is that he and Beal, who grew up in the same neighborhood, would get a chance to play together on Sunday night.

"Everybody knows how close we are and the history that we have. It's just a really special moment," Tatum said. "Two guys from the same high school, same neighborhood, kind of grew up together starting an All-Star Game. . . It don't get no better than that."

Beal, for one, is sharing Tatum's excitement and noted that the two have rarely, if ever, played on the same team.

"I’m excited about it. We’ve never been on the same team before, ever in life," Beal said, per NBC Sports Washington's Andrew Gillis. “I don’t even think in pickup we’ve been on the same team. It’s definitely a great feeling to share the same floor with him."

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That's incredible if they truly haven't played together. Either way, playing against Tatum so much have made Beal a big fan of the young Celtics star.

"I’m one of his biggest fans,” Beal said. "I’m proud of his growth, his maturity at a young age, he’s only 23 now. For him to be on the stage he’s at, at the time where his career is, it’s heartwarming for me. I’m just happy we’re able to share the floor together as starters, making a name for ourselves, our city and our families."

It will surely be interesting to see what type of chemistry Beal and Tatum share on the floor. But Celtics fans shouldn't get any ideas about them playing together in Boston any time soon.

Beal has repeatedly stated his desire to stay with the Washington Wizards and as our own Chris Forsberg pointed out earlier this season, the C's don't have an easy path to acquire Beal or put together an intriguing package for him.

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