It wasn’t exactly a demotion for Payton Pritchard, but a strategic shift by Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. Pritchard, who was on track for career highs in points, assists, and rebounds, found himself moving from the starting lineup to the bench. This change came after Boston traded Anfernee Simons for veteran center Nikola Vucevic, necessitating a reliable ball-handler for the second unit.
Mazzulla's decision to start second-year wing Baylor Scheierman while bringing Pritchard off the bench has paid off handsomely. Pritchard, who previously won NBA Sixth Man of the Year, has embraced his familiar role with impressive results.
In the six games since the trade, Boston has gone 5-1, with Pritchard scoring at least 24 points in each victory. His playing time remains substantial, clocking in at least 30 minutes per game, and he continues to be a key figure in the closing lineup.
Pritchard has averaged 22.5 points and 6.4 assists, shooting 52.0% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc-numbers that surpass his season averages.
Despite a tough outing against the Knicks, where he scored just six points, Pritchard bounced back with standout performances, including a 26-point, seven-assist, and six-rebound game against Golden State. His sharp shooting was on full display, going 6-for-11 from deep and hitting crucial threes to fend off a late Warriors rally.
Pritchard shared insights on his role adjustment, noting, “I sit the first five minutes and then I come in and play starter minutes. It’s almost better because I get into the flow more. Joe talked to me about needing a ball-handler off the bench after the Vucevic trade, which makes the offense more fluid.”
Known for his 3-point prowess, Pritchard is also excelling in isolation, averaging 1.30 points per possession, and has been deadly from midrange, connecting on 56.8% of his shots from 10-14 feet. Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpasses him in efficiency from that range.
Vucevic, meanwhile, has adapted well to his new role. Coming off the bench, he’s been a significant contributor, especially in games against Miami, Chicago, and Golden State, where he posted double-doubles and the Celtics outscored opponents by double digits with him on the floor. His scoring, shooting, and passing have added depth to Boston’s frontcourt.
Coach Mazzulla praised both players, highlighting Pritchard’s ability to impact games from any position in the rotation and Vucevic’s growing synergy with the team. The Celtics are finding a balance that could make them a formidable force as the season progresses.