3 Celtics whose stock are skyrocketing, 2 that are dropping
By Tyler Watts
Stock dropping: Payton Pritchard
Pritchard wanted out of Boston last season citing lack of playing time, but things changed this summer. The Celtics traded Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, and Grant Williams. They have arguably the best top six in the NBA, but things are wide open behind them.
Pritchard is seventh in minutes per game and one of two bench players to see action in every game, not including Al Horford after his two starts with Derrick White sidelined. The 6’1 guard has a consistent role but is struggling to produce.
The undersized point guard will never be known for his defense, but there was excitement after he averaged 15.6 points in just 23.0 minutes per game during the preseason. Since the games began to count, Pritchard cannot buy a basket. He is averaging just 3.7 points on 26.7 percent shooting from the field and 16.7 percent from 3-point range.
Payton Pritchard has an important role this season, and it will increase when someone misses time. His stock is fading, but Pritchard just needs to get his jumpers to fall.
He is a career 39.5 percent 3-point shooter, so fans should not worry too much. The Boston Celtics need his playmaking and must figure out how to get him going before he has to play a larger role.