Boston Celtics: Pros and cons of Payton Pritchard earning a starting role

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 29: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics brings the ball up court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Con: Questions of sustainability

Yes, Pritchard’s great play to begin the season is undeniable, but is this just a hot start? Is his play sustainable over the next month or into the summer?

Every NBA player will have their fair share of ups and downs in a season, and every player struggles with cold spells. Is such a roadblock looming for Pritchard as teams begin to adjust to his tendencies as he plays more?

It’s impossible to predict the future, but the kind of night Pritchard had against Toronto likely isn’t the norm moving forward. The young point guard has proven himself so far in more than just that one game, but he’s never had to play the length of an NBA season. Will he be able to maintain this type of pace and play over the next month or so?

So far, Pritchard hasn’t played a huge chunk of minutes up until recently. He played more than 25 minutes just once in his first six games, but the rookie has totaled 27 and 32 minutes in his last two contests.

This is a whole new stage for Pritchard, something he’s never experienced in his playing career before. If this is more than a flash in the pan, then that’s great news for the Boston Celtics. If it’s not, then starting Pritchard could prove detrimental.

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