Boston Celtics: 3 players who could soon be in the C’s starting lineup
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics player No. 2) Payton Pritchard
This past Monday, when it was announced that both Jeff Teague and typical starting point guard (while Kemba Walker is out, of course) Marcus Smart would be out against the Toronto Raptors, many fans were curious to see who coach Stevens would roll with at the one.
While some fans took to Twitter and shared their beliefs that it should be Payton Pritchard to take on the role, ultimately the Boston Celtics went with second-year guard Tremont Waters, leaving the rookie to come off the bench.
Though Waters was the one who started the game, it was Pritchard who wound up shining the brightest, as he went on to drop 23 points and eight assists (both career highs) on 62 percent shooting from the floor and 50 percent shooting from deep.
Thus far into his young rookie campaign, the 22-year-old is playing himself both into the conversation of biggest steal from the 2020 draft as well as for the team’s starting point guard position.
Of course, once Walker comes back, this spot will be solidified. However, in the meantime, there is a chance we could see the former Oregon star running floor general with the starters.
This is not exactly a knock on the performance by Marcus Smart at the point but, rather, a suggestion saying that his game is best-served off-ball at the two or even going back to his traditional role as a sixth-man to help guide and galvanize the team’s second-unit.
Winner of both the Pac-12 Player of the Year and Bob Cousy Award (bestowed to the top men’s collegiate point guard) in 2020, it is a well-known fact that Payton Pritchard is a skilled and highly-touted player at his respective position.
Perhaps it may be time to try him out in the starting lineup.