Being an undersized guard is challenging to overcome when teams evaluate NBA Draft prospects. Even if that player is a gifted scorer, concerns about potentially being a defensive liability can push that individual down the draft board.
However, as he works to dispel that sentiment, Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard shot up a 2020 redraft from Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon on a recent edition of the Game Theory Podcast.
That year's 20th overall selection went 12th, as the two hosts evaluated what the players in that draft class have done in their careers and what the future might hold for them.
"We've seen it for a couple [of] years now. And obviously, last year was incredible," noted Simon of Pritchard's receiving the 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year Award. "I think he's just a guy that's in the perfect context in terms of [he] just comes in and shoots it."
Payton Pritchard poised for a larger role this season
While there is a compelling case for him to start, either way, the six-foot-one guard is in line for an increased role. That's true for individuals across Boston's roster.
Jayson Tatum's rehabbing a torn Achilles, and the Celtics parted with key figures like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The latter was a product of the need to shed salary and gain flexibility after being over the second apron in consecutive seasons.
"I think eventually we [will] see Payton Pritchard in a bigger role," voiced Simon. "I think there will be a decent sample size of games this year where we'll see him in a bigger role, where we'll get to see: is there starter-level potential from him? Is there something bigger than being potentially one of the best sixth men in the NBA?"
The five-year veteran gets this opportunity on the heels of the best season of his career. The former Oregon Duck averaged 14.3 points in the 2024-25 campaign. He shot 47.2 percent from the field and drilled 40.7 percent of the 7.8 threes he hoisted. Pritchard also grabbed 3.8 rebounds, dished out 3.5 assists, and swiped nearly a steal per contest.
He is also coming off the best defensive season of his career. A tenacious on-ball defender, Pritchard received increased opportunities to guard some of the NBA's best perimeter players. He fared well against the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic. Continuing to grow on that side of the ball is paramount to the role he ultimately earns.
"I think it's a very niche role from Payton Pritchard right now," stated Simon. "I think that's probably ultimately what he is. I'm interested to see if there's something more."
If there is, the 27-year-old guard could become a fixture in Boston's starting lineup.