A few weeks before the trade deadline, Bill Simmons voiced concerns on his podcast about Payton Pritchard’s suitability for the NBA, suggesting the Celtics should upgrade his position due to his size. While this might have seemed like a quick reaction, there was validity to his point.
Pritchard, standing at 6’2”, not only faced challenges due to his height but also played in a manner that emphasized his lack of size. Despite sharing similar heights with players like Jalen Brunson, TJ McConnell, and Terry Rozier, Pritchard struggled against taller and more athletic opponents for a significant portion of the season.
However, he excelled in his role as a three-point shooter, with the majority of his shots coming from beyond the arc, connecting at a respectable rate. But his performance in the last two games of the season highlighted a remarkable transformation: he showcased multi-level scoring abilities, which had been lacking earlier.
The turning point seemed to be a game against the Warriors in March, where Pritchard demonstrated newfound assertiveness in attacking the rim. This marked the beginning of a 22-game stretch where he evolved into a reliable scorer across different levels, departing from his previous role primarily as a three-point threat.
Before this shift, Pritchard often struggled with drives, frequently opting to pass or being blocked when attempting shots. However, after the Warriors game, he displayed a more purposeful approach, increasing his number of drives significantly and demonstrating increased physicality.
This change in mindset translated into a notable increase in his scoring efficiency, despite taking tougher shots. Additionally, his improved driving ability opened up opportunities for him to create for teammates, as defenses began to respect his threat as a driver.
Overall, Pritchard’s evolution as a penetrator has injected excitement into a season that had become somewhat predictable for Celtics fans. With increased playing time and growing confidence, he is poised to become a key player in Boston’s pursuit of another championship.
