So we can say they're semi-opps?

The broken relationship between Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaylen Brown and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who were teammates in Beantown, got a new piece to the story Saturday night.

And uh ... it's interesting.

"He should stay ready at all times," said Brown.

The win moves the Sixers to 3-0, and for Brown, it was his best game of the campaign thus far with a season-high 27 points.

Brown and Tatum were Celtics teammates for nine years, with both being selected as No. 3 overall picks by the franchise. The former became a part of the C's in 2016, while the latter joined a year later in 2017. They went on to become one of the most successful duos of their era—winning an NBA championship in 2024, making two appearances in the Finals and five in the Eastern Conference finals.

I can't lie, I like the current swagger that the 76ers possess here in the early season, and I can dig Jaylen Brown leaning into this villain role in a city that already despises everything green and white.

Jaylen (and LeBron James for that matter) really went full cheesesteak. And honestly, I'm here for it.

The NBA has been missing genuine, unscripted friction. Too many players are too friendly, swapping jerseys with smiles five minutes after a playoff elimination. The league hasn't had true competitive edge in years.

Jaylen Brown—you've got to give him credit no matter how you feel about him—he's bringing that back with these kinds of comments. And doing so here in a completely new era for the NBA.

It's refreshing.

So let's stop hoping they "hash it out" over a cup of coffee. Let them stew. Let the rivalry breathe. Because when the Sixers and Celtics finally lock horns, it won't be just another game—we're looking at pure theatre, ladies and gentlemen.