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Celtics News: Muscala impresses Tatum; Payton Prichard valued in Boston

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Muscala #57 of the Boston Celtics runs up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on February 10, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Muscala #57 of the Boston Celtics runs up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on February 10, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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Last year it was Derrick White, this season it may just be Mike Muscala.  It’s been just one game, but Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens is proving he knows how to find the right players to fit in with this team.

Although Muscala was one of those “meh” additions at the NBA Trade Deadline, the big man fits what this Celtics team needs and that is more depth in the big man rotation.

During his debut on Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets, he demonstrated he could be more than just a depth piece.

In scoring 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting from beyond the stripe, Muscala made a strong first impression with the fans and the team’s superstar.  Following the 127-116 win, Jayson Tatum lauded Muscala’s performance in his Celtics debut.

"“I was joking with him – he hit his first shot and we were sitting on the bench and I was like, ‘Man, that’s big time,” Tatum said during his press conference.  “To come to a new team, never practiced with us, come in and knock down your first shot, just as a basketball player I know how good that felt.  We can just see how important he can be for us – big body, long arms, obviously can stretch the floor.  I’m glad we got him.”"

Although Jacob Poeltl was a player the team was rumored to be all in on, Muscala does give the team a stretch big man who gives them some insurance in that rotation behind Rob Williams, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

Brad Stevens on Celtics guard Payton Prichard wishing for more playing time

There is no Celtics fan out there that would knock the hustle of third-year guard Payton Prichard, but is his expressing a desire to go to another team where he can get more minutes taking away from his value in Boston?

At 25 years old, Pritchard understandably wants more of an opportunity to play.  With Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, and Derrick White ahead of him, those minutes are scarce.  Fortunately for Prichard, he is getting playing time due to injuries.

After Pritchard publicly said he was hopeful he would be traded, Stevens addressed Pritchard’s desire for a bigger role by acknowledging the team’s value in him.

"“We really value Payton” Stevens told NBC Sports Boston’s Brian Scalabrine ahead of Friday’s game vs. Charlotte. “Like, Payton’s a big, important part of our team. Last year he played tons of minutes in the playoff run and guys like that aren’t everywhere. We’re just in a unique position and Payton knows that. And Payton’s been really upfront about that. He knows that the guards we have on our team and the wings that we play sometimes as points are really, really good. And so, there’s going to be nights like tonight where guys are out that he’s going to get extended opportunity. There’s going to be nights where he doesn’t.”"

It is on the nights he gets minutes that he really needs to make the most of those minutes.  Whether it is his hustle on the defensive end or his ability to go on a scoring streak, Pritchard is showing the NBA his value.  While the Celtics understand that value, they are a team contending for a championship and unfortunately, the veterans ahead of him will be the reason they get over the hump.

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Like Stevens pointed out, Prichard will likely get playoff minutes like he did last season.  That will be his opportunity to make a statement as Stevens highlights below.

"“But the one thing we all know is he can go in a playoff game and change it,” Stevens continued.   “So, when you’re a young player, it’s tough because you want to prove yourself and prove you belong. He’s done that. Everybody in the league knows he can play. We really know he can play. He’s not in an easy situation, especially when you’re 25, but he’s really appreciated here.”"

Obviously, the NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone so all Prichard can do is take this opportunity to continue learning and experiencing what it’s like to be on a championship caliber team.  In the NBA, a chance to win a title isn’t guaranteed.

Next. Celtics Insider: Derrick White is having a scorching hot February. dark

The bigger role isn’t going to come with the Celtics the rest of this season, but it will be there for him with patience.

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