The biggest debate heading into next year for the Celtics? Just what is Payton Pritchard’s role going to be? Forget the easy calls like Jayson Tatum and Derrick White locking down starting spots, or Paul George undoubtedly sliding in at the three. The real mystery, the one keeping fans talking, is that crucial fifth starter spot, and specifically, what they’re doing with Fast PP.
It’s not just a simple choice for Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, either. Last year, remember, Sam Hauser was filling that “fifth Beatle” slot. Before Tatum made his big return, Baylor Scheierman even got some serious run as a point forward, which actually pushed Pritchard to the bench after the big Anfernee Simons deal that brought Nikola Vucevic to town. So, will Pritchard reclaim his starting spot, or is he truly destined to be the team’s super sixth man? And don’t forget the center position battle, which is going to be fierce! Neemias Queta, who was an absolute revelation last year and earned himself a sweet four-year extension, is going to be battling it out with the newly signed Mitchell Robinson for crucial playing time. Talk about intense competition!
The Case For Bench Brilliance
When it comes to Pritchard, the fanbase is definitely split on whether he should start, but there’s a strong, undeniable vibe that says his magic truly shines off the bench. Reader “SpiritofEspiritu” laid it out perfectly, casting a “shaky ‘no’” vote for Pritchard starting, despite acknowledging he’s a very good starter. And honestly, their reasoning makes a ton of sense when you break it all down.
First off, just look at how Pritchard plays against opposing bench guards. The dude is flat-out superior! He’s an incredible all-around player, absolutely torching those matchups and giving the Celtics a massive advantage when the starters need a breather. Secondly, his entrance into the game, whether the starters are cruising or struggling, always seems to positively recalibrate the energy. He keeps that fantastic flow going when things are good, or he’s the immediate spark plug when the start is flat. And finally, the guy can end all four quarters in rhythm, with plays that are, let’s be real, often nothing short of magical. It’s a role he seems to embrace, too, repeatedly sharing that he’s cool with any role as long as he’s out there on the court, making an impact.
What It Means For Next Season
Now, let’s factor in the big picture. With stars like Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and even Big Country Robinson likely skipping some back-to-backs during the grind of the season, you can totally see Pritchard getting starts sprinkled throughout the schedule. They’ll probably go much smaller when Robinson sits, which definitely opens up more opportunities for Fast PP to step into a starting role on those specific nights. But whether he’s in the opening five or coming off the bench, we can all agree on one thing: Payton Pritchard is going to be a massive piece of Boston’s success next year. The FanDuel odds even back up the overall hype for the team, with the Celtics at +1500, holding the fifth-highest odds to win a championship. They’re chasing the Thunder (+230), Spurs (+280), Knicks (+950), and Sixers (+1000), but still right there in the mix. Get ready, because next season is gonna be wild for the Green!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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