Payton Pritchard's Starting Role in Question for Next Season

Following Jaylen Brown's trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, speculation is rife about whether Payton Pritchard will reclaim his starting role with the Boston Celtics next season. Pritchard started 47 of the first 48 games last season before losing his position when Jayson Tatum returned from injury.

Pritchard's previous starting role was filled by Baylor Scheierman as the Celtics aimed to bolster their second unit after trading Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vučević. With Brown gone, the Celtics are expected to integrate Paul George, the player acquired in the trade, into the lineup.

Despite the potential for Pritchard to start, there is also the possibility he could return to the bench, where he previously excelled and earned the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2025. His performance in early offseason workouts with teammates may influence the coaching staff's decision.

In a recent interview, Pritchard expressed his personal goal to increase his trips to the free-throw line in the upcoming season. He emphasized the importance of hard work and smart play for the team, stating, "Regular season wins come from playing hard, while playoff success relies on playing harder and smarter."

With only two years remaining on his contract, improving his performance could lead to a more lucrative deal, regardless of whether he secures a starting position. As the Celtics prepare for the new season, Pritchard's role remains a key topic of discussion.