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Derrick White of the Boston Celtics reacts with Payton Pritchard.
The Boston Celtics are entering one of their most uncertain seasons in years. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury and the roster reshaped by second-apron restrictions, the front office has leaned on youth and cost-controlled depth. Jrue Holiday is gone, leaving Joe Mazzulla with a pivotal question: who should start alongside Derrick White in the backcourt?
Celtics Face Backcourt Dilemma: Simons or Pritchard?
One logical option for the starting role is Anfernee Simons. He arrived in the Holiday trade, carrying real pedigree. Three straight seasons as a full-time starter. Explosive shot creation. Microwave scoring that can swing quarters. But Simons also comes with caveats — he’s on an expiring deal, new to Boston’s system, and widely seen as a trade candidate if the Celtics decide to retool further.
That uncertainty is why Chris Forsberg and NBC Sports Boston’s Ramp to Camp panel leaned toward another option: sliding Payton Pritchard into the starting role.
Forsberg explained the logic: “We tend to think Pritchard deserves first crack because, 1) He’s a core member of what remains of that 2024 championship team, and 2) Every time the Celtics have thrown more on his plate, he’s devoured it while taking another step in his NBA evolution.”
Why a Pritchard Start Fits the Celtics
Start with the shooting. Pritchard’s 40.7% from deep last season stretched defenses two steps higher, a premium without Tatum. He posted career highs in points and assists while keeping turnovers low, giving Boston a guard who can initiate actions and thrive off the ball next to White.
NBC’s Ramp to Camp crew framed the challenge simply. Josh Canu emphasized adjusting to a starter’s role — defend at a high level, stay efficient, and complement the stars. Max Lederman took it further, saying Pritchard must prove he’s “a championship-level starting point guard,” not just an elite Sixth Man.
The production backs it up. In 10 games without Tatum last season, Pritchard averaged 19.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. In 19 games without Jaylen Brown, he delivered 16.4 points, 3.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. Scale the role, and the numbers follow. His mentality is already there too — “I would play all 48 minutes if I could,” he told NBC this summer.
The Verdict: Should Boston Start Pritchard?
Multiple voices now echo Forsberg’s stance. NBA insider Grant Afseth reported that Boston is poised to elevate Pritchard into the starting lineup, with Simons taking on a high-scoring bench role if he remains with the team.
The reasoning is simple. Boston is in a gap year where internal growth matters as much as short-term wins. Pritchard provides spacing, continuity, and a proven ability to scale his role. Simons, meanwhile, remains valuable — but perhaps more as a trade asset or luxury scorer than a foundational starter.
The Celtics’ backcourt puzzle isn’t solved yet. But if development and system fit are the priorities, Pritchard may be the guard who keeps Boston steady while they wait for Tatum’s return.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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