Payton Pritchard's new extension isn't super long, but it still extends his time with the Boston Celtics long enough for them to be comfortable with what they hope to see next from Pritchard over the next few years. And to think, it's very possible it never would have gotten this way had it not been for Blake Griffin.
Griffin only played one season with the Celtics, and it's not like he had the biggest role. They typically only played him when they were down an Al Horford and/or a Robert Williams III. However, because Griffin could still do a lot even if he wasn't the athlete he used to be, that actually kind of became fun to watch when he got the start.
He became one of the best success stories under Joe Mazzulla, but many forget his impact on Pritchard. For anyone who also remembers that season, Pritchard got the short end of the stick following the addition of Malcolm Brogdon. His frustration got to the point that he wanted out.
Reportedly, it was Griffin who got through to Pritchard, letting him know that his time would come. Pritchard himself even shouted out Griffin two years later for how he helped him get through being in the doghouse all the time.
Griffin's word proved to be true, as Pritchard then became an NBA Champion, Sixth Man of the Year, and a potential starter for this Celtics team. Griffin was and still is beloved by Celtics fans, but how he kept Pritchard's spirits up factored into where we are now.
Where would Boston be with Pritchard without Griffin?
Pritchard may be on a different team at the moment if Griffin hadn't been there to help Pritchard get through it all. Whether he entered restricted free agency or not, Boston still would have had the edge, but there's no telling if Pritchard would have made a big deal out of it after the Celtics put him in the doghouse twice in his first four years with the team.
Griffin's presence may have very well negated that scenario from ever coming to fruition in the first place. Even if he was only a one-year rental - let the record show that EVERYONE wanted an encore from Griffin before they won Banner 18 - Griffin, in a way, truly proved to be worth every penny despite only being a part-time player.
Besides being a fan favorite, and that wasn't just because he was Blake freaking Griffin, Griffin really was a necessary veteran presence. He factored into why Pritchard has built the legacy he has as a Celtic. Despite how brief his time in Boston was, Griffin's time as a Celtic was undeniably unforgettable.
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