3 Boston Celtics players that must step up with Jayson Tatum out

By Mark Nilon | Dec 27, 2021

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 04: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Moda Center on December 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics player No. 2) Payton Pritchard

With Jayson Tatum out of the rotation for the time being, all hands are required to be on deck in order to simply replace even just a fraction of what he provides on the hardwood, which means young players who may be underperforming on the year must look to up their play, and Payton Pritchard is a guy who the Boston Celtics could benefit from having him tap back into his rookie-season form.

Throughout the majority of the year, it has appeared as though the point guard has been suffering from somewhat of a sophomore slump, as he’s putting up just 4.1 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 rebounds per game.

However, these last four outings we’ve seen Pritchard tap back into his first-year ways of play, as he’s been posting 13.3 points, four boards, and 2.8 assists on 52.5 percent shooting from the floor and 48 percent shooting from deep during this stretch.

With the likes of Dennis Schroder out in Health and Safety Protocols, the 23-year-old has gotten the opportunity to get more playing time where, in turn, he has made the most of it.

Now with Tatum also out, they need Pritchard to look to play at an even higher level.

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