Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard is ‘the GOAT’ and early steal of the draft

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 27: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 27: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Boston Celtics rookie point guard Payton Pritchard showing early why he’s more than just any late first-round pick.

It’s been just four games into the NBA season, but it looks like Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge found his diamond in the rough in the name of one Payton Prichard.

The late first-round pick has impressed so far this season, especially in these two games against the Indiana Pacers.

The Oregon product contributed a career-high 13 points in the loss on Sunday and had his best all-around game in Tuesday night’s 116-111 victory with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.  In both games it was the energy that he brought off the bench that was impressive along with both his maturity and poise while playing some pretty important minutes in those games.

More from Chowder and Champions

The rookie point guard is certainly getting some major props from his teammates for his energy and effort like this praise from Jaylen Brown:

"“Payton is the GOAT, man.  Payton came in with confidence.  Definitely needed the spark coming off the bench.  Payton was everything and more for us tonight.  We’re going to need more guys to continue to step up but an excellent job from Payton Prichard.  The kid can play and we’re looking forward to him and other guys stepping up in the future.”"

It may be way too soon to call Payton Pritchard the GOAT, but he is definitely inspiring something off that Boston Celtics bench and will quickly become a fan favorite once fans are allowed again at TD Garden.

While Pritchard is benefitting from Kemba Walker’s absence, it is clear to see why the rookie is earning minutes and confidence from head coach Brad Stevens who has become known for not giving rookies major minutes this early in the season, but the 22-year-old point guard is showing he’s a different cause.

"“We had him running all kinds of pick and rolls in the second quarter and the start of the fourth,” Stevens said following the game, via MassLive.  “He’s poised on that stuff and makes the right play.  He’s deceptive so he can get in, use his body and finish.  We saw it on a couple of occasions.  He’s a guy who knows who to play.  We’re awfully small at times when he’s in there late with that group but I thought he did a good job on both ends tonight.”"

Payton Prichard on the benefits of playing the full four years at Oregon

What Payton Prichard is showing early in his NBA career is that he has benefitted from playing the full four years in college, which may be way Brad Stevens is showing the confidence in him early.

Seldom these days does a team get a 22-year-old rookie coming into the league ready to play.

In averaging 20.5 points in his senior year at Oregon, Pritchard is showing he worth the No. 26 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.  In fact, he’s proving to be even better than that and is a player who trending to get even better with more experience like his four years at Oregon.

"“I don’t think I prepared how I should have my freshman or sophomore year,” Pritchard said.  “At the end of my junior year, I really started to be professional about things and how to approach each game.  Taking care of my body and doing what I needed to do mentally and physically.”"

Next. Boston Celtics: Why team doesn’t need James Harden. dark

Payton Pritchard certainly seems prepared now and will only get better with the increased playing time and confidence shown in him by Stevens and the players around him.

While some of those minutes he is currently playing will be challenged when Kemba Walker returns, it looks like the Boston Celtics hit on this one and it will be a fun ride to see where his path leads.

Home/Boston Celtics