The Boston Celtics have had a disappointing offseason, shedding salary and falling from title contention after Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles.
In cost-cutting maneuvers, Boston traded Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to avoid looming financial constraints. With Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign, the Celtics will need several players to step up to remain playoff contenders.
The team still has Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to shoulder the workload, but an unimpressive frontcourt and second unit must show development.
Payton Pritchard receives golden opportunity
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report recently ranked every team’s biggest risers and fallers ahead of the upcoming season, naming 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard as a candidate to showcase further development.
“Opportunities for big numbers will be there for Pritchard, who should slot into a larger playmaking and scoring role with Jrue Holiday gone and Jayson Tatum injured,” Hughes wrote. “Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year should be capable of turning his per-36 numbers (18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists) into his per-game averages while also deserving some dark-horse consideration for the league lead in triples.”
MORE: Celtics’ $45 million sharpshooter Sam Hauser linked to Western Conference contender
Pritchard is coming off a career-best year, during which he averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.2 three-pointers while shooting 40.7 percent from beyond the arc in 28.4 minutes per game across 80 regular-season appearances.
While Anfernee Simons is likely to earn a starting role alongside White in the backcourt, rumors have swirled about Simons potentially being traded before the start of the season.
Even if he comes off the bench again, Pritchard has the opportunity to take on an increased role in Boston’s offense and put up significant numbers.
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