Payton Pritchard is making the most of his moment in Boston - and then some.
The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year has stepped into a bigger role for the Celtics this season, and instead of just filling a gap, he’s thriving in it. With Jrue Holiday gone and Jayson Tatum likely out for the year, Pritchard has seen a career-high in minutes, and he’s responded by elevating his game across the board: scoring, rebounding, playmaking - all trending up.
Now 28, Pritchard isn’t just having a hot start. There’s real reason to believe this leap is sustainable. In fact, it might just be the beginning of a breakout campaign that cements his place as a long-term piece in Boston’s backcourt.
Efficiency Dip? Not So Fast.
Let’s start with the three-point numbers. Pritchard is a career 39.4% shooter from deep, but he’s sitting at 34.4% so far this season.
That might raise a few eyebrows, but context matters. Players often see a dip in efficiency when their usage increases - more minutes, more shots, more defensive attention.
But here’s the thing: Pritchard’s track record as a shooter is too strong to ignore. He’s simply too good to stay in the mid-30s for long.
A climb back toward 37-38% from deep feels not just possible, but likely. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if he starts flirting with 20 points per game.
Where he has been lights out is inside the arc. Pritchard is shooting over 61% on two-point attempts - and that’s not some early-season fluke.
He hit 64.2% from two last year and 59.3% the year before that. For a 6-foot-1 guard, those are elite numbers, especially considering he’s not getting easy buckets at the rim.
He’s doing it with touch, timing, and a midrange game that’s more refined than most give him credit for.
A Shooter’s Shooter
Pritchard’s shooting pedigree goes way back. He’s always been that guy - the type of player who can heat up in a hurry and bury a defense under a barrage of threes.
He’s shown that for years in Boston, and before that, all the way back to his high school days. So while the long-range numbers might be lagging right now, the mechanics, confidence, and volume all suggest it’s only a matter of time before the percentages catch up.
And what’s encouraging is that he’s producing even while his bread-and-butter shot hasn’t fully clicked. That tells you a lot about the rest of his game - the playmaking, the shot selection, the decision-making under pressure. He’s not just a shooter anymore; he’s becoming a complete guard.
What’s Next in Boston?
The Celtics’ point guard situation is one of the more intriguing storylines to watch. Anfernee Simons has struggled this season, and it’s unclear whether he’s part of the long-term plan. Meanwhile, both Pritchard and Derrick White are locked in with multi-year deals, and both have shown they can handle big minutes in a variety of roles.
But Pritchard? He’s getting better every year.
More polished, more poised, more productive. And if he keeps trending the way he is, the idea of him being Boston’s full-time starting point guard doesn’t sound far-fetched at all.
In fact, it might be the most natural next step.
The Celtics needed someone to step up this season, and Pritchard has answered that call with confidence and consistency. His shooting stroke may be due for a bounce-back, but his impact is already being felt - and if this is just the beginning, Boston might have found their next great floor general already in-house.