What is the Boston Celtics’ plan with unhappy point guard?

Last season, the Boston Celtics failed to utilize Payton Pritchard, and it came back to bite them. By midseason, Pritchard had requested a trade, and that unhappiness trickled over into the playoffs, and he did not see the floor much. Fast forward to this offseason, and Pritchard is playing well for the Team USA Select team.

Pritchard’s strong play for the Select team is interesting, and the Cs should be taking notice. It also begs the question: what is the franchise’s plan with Pritchard?

The Celtics need to learn from their mistake last season, as they only played Pritchard 13 minutes per game. After the strong first two seasons that Pritchard had and the solid postseason he had en route to the NBA Finals makes it is puzzling why he didn’t play last season. Pritchard is a capable backup point guard in the NBA, and he should be a rotation piece for the C’s.

Pritchard’s recent play with the Select team shows he can play with the best players. Reporters covering the scrimmage with Team USA highlighted that Pritchard showed effective playmaking and scoring as a backup to Cade Cunningham. Pritchard should use his recent play as a confidence boost heading into next season.

The Boston Celtics cannot keep Payton Pritchard buried on the bench

The Celtics have a decision to make with Pritchard, and they must do it at the start of next season. Boston either needs to trade him for an asset or utilize him in the rotation. The Celtics need to show Pritchard that they believe in him and put him back in the rotation. Despite his lack of size, Pritchard can be a rotation player on a championship team. The Cs need to value the unhappy point guard and utilize his effective shooting and hustle.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see what role Pritchard receives this season; and where that role will be.