Payton Pritchard’s latest comments are exactly why Celtics need to invest more

The Boston Celtics are weirdly in a tough spot—they are too talented. The pros of having a surplus of talent on the roster include winning an NBA Championship and… Well, yeah. Winning the title is enough of a pro to stand on its own. But the biggest con is that sometimes, talent is wasted. That could be the case with Payton Pritchard.

Ever since he stepped into the NBA, Pritchard has been one of the most confident players in the world. In fact, that statement extends far beyond the first time he played on an NBA court. It’s that confidence that makes him such a special player, and in Boston’s first preseason win over the Denver Nuggets, he showed off the skills that come with it.

But the Celtics need to do better.

The Celtics need to invest more in Payton Pritchard

Pritchard posted 21 points, four rebounds, and six assists in the Celtics’ 107-103 win over the Nuggets. He shot 6-of-12 from beyond the arc and looked like the best player on the court.

After the contest, he spoke about everything he wants to improve on, and it was a lengthy list.

“Getting more consistent off the dribble with the three ball,” Pritchard said. “I thought my finishing and mid-range game last year took a big jump, so I thought that was really good. Obviously, I’m always working on that stuff. But, if I can be more efficient shooting off the dribble from there, as well as the catch-and-shoot, then that completes my game.

“Then defensively, just finding ways to be better at taking charges, getting more hands-on balls, steals and stuff like that. So, if I can make a jump then I’ll keep improving as a player.”

Pritchard could have kept his answer simple. He could have said that he wants to be more efficient. That he wants to be a better defender. Instead, he went into detail about everything he has been working on.

Instead of just being more efficient, he wants to be be more efficient in select spots. Instead of just being a better defender, he explained everything that goes into that.

Some players are happy to coast, enjoying life in the NBA in whatever role they are able to earn. 

Not Pritchard.

Pritchard’s hunger and ridiculous competitiveness are exactly what the Celtics should want from all of their players. And his detailed response about areas of improvement after having an incredible game is a perfect example of why the team needs to invest more in him.

That means giving him more minutes. That means giving him more responsibilities. That means putting him in a position to do enough to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Give Jrue Holiday and Derick White some nights off. Take some pressure off of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who often control the ball most of the time. Let Pritchard lead the way this season more than he ever has.

He’s good enough to do it. So let him.