The Boston Celtics will help Payton Pritchard set a new career-high in minutes this season and will grant his wish for a larger role. Fans remember his famous trade request (subscription required) in 2023 as he struggled to get playing time. It was all in search of a larger role. Pritchard won Sixth Man of the Year in 2025 and will play starter’s minutes for the first time this year.
The 27-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.9 steals in 28.4 minutes per game last season. All of those stats were career-highs. He is no longer the player who struggled to lock down a nightly role. The 6’1 guard has become a crucial piece and has no plans of letting Boston tumble down the standings with Jayson Tatum out.
Pritchard is known for his work ethic and love of the game. The Celtics need him more than ever. It is not just Tatum’s absence. Boston tore down their roster this offseason. The door is wide open for Pritchard to start and play 32 minutes every night as his wish finally comes true.
Celtics finally grant Payton Pritchard his wish for more playing time
Pritchard has made incredible leaps in the last two years. He shot 47.2 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from 3-point range last season in the largest role of his career. Fans know the Celtics will be firing up threes and trying to win the math game. Pritchard’s elite shooting certainly helps and will be crucial.
Jaylen Brown will be Boston’s number one option, but his ball-handling limitations make Pritchard and Derrick White even more important. The Cs need Pritchard to break down the defense and create open looks for others. Expect him to set a new career-high in assists as his role increases.
Pritchard improved when he jumped from 22.3 minutes per game to 28.4. Even his per-36 scoring and steals got better. He has proven he is ready for more. Pritchard enters this season as a fringe All-Star candidate in the East. A Celtic will join Brown if Boston is near the top of the standings, and White is battling Pritchard for that spot.
Pritchard has three years left on the best value contract in the NBA. He makes $23.3 million over the length of the deal, or nearly $5 million less than White makes this season. The absolute bargain has kept him in Boston amid the roster turnover. It is finally time for Pritchard to fully shine. There will be no cap on his playing time this season, and the 6’1 guard is eager to show the Celtics what he can do in his dream role.
The Boston Celtics are facing a gap year with Jayson Tatum out. Expect head coach Joe Mazzulla to explore what Payton Pritchard can do in a larger role as he tries to find value on his roster. The Celtics aren’t tanking. They believe this is a playoff team. Pritchard will have a massive say in how things shake out, so stay tuned to see what the Sixth Man of the Year can do.