The Boston Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum for a big stretch of the season, if not all of it. The superstar forward is making big strides in his recovery, but Achilles injuries are tricky, and they will be wise to err on the side of caution with their franchise player.
That raises some doubts about the Celtics' championship aspirations, especially after losing Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and — in all likelihood — Al Horford this offseason.
However, Payton Pritchard doesn't want to hear anything about that. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is poised to be a full-time starter for the first time in his career, and he's eager to prove that this team can still beat the best of them.
Payton Pritchard Says This Isn't A Gap Year For The Celtics
“It’s not a gap year,” Payton told CLNS. “It’s a year to prove [something], take a step, and show people that we are still that team.”We’ll put the pieces together. And we will come out and compete, and try to win every game, and put together a great season – and go for a championship.”
Pritchard is coming off the best season of his career. He logged 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Notably, his numbers went up to 21.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game as a starter.
He's been with the Celtics for his entire career, becoming a fan favorite for his hustle and timely shots. Now, he's projected to take Jrue Holiday's spot next to Derrick White in the backcourt, and filling in for that type of defensive stalwart will be easier said than done.
The Celtics are reportedly still trying to trade Anfernee Simons, who's about to enter the final year of his contract. Getting his salary off the books should be a priority, but if they fail to strike a deal, he could be a welcome addition as a three-level offensive spark off the bench.
This team will look a whole lot different just a couple of years after winning the NBA championship, which goes to show how difficult it will be to keep a championship core together for the long run under the new CBA.
Even so, they should continue to be among the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown has shown that he can hold down the fort when needed, and Joe Mazzulla is one of the savviest tacticians in the game, so it won't be wise to sleep on this team.