Payton Pritchard has been on a tear since agreeing to a four-year, $30 million extension with the Celtics earlier this month. Through three games, the fourth-year pro has totaled 64 points, which is good for third-most in the league this preseason. Pritchard is shooting with extreme efficiency knocking down 23-of-44 (52.2%) from the field and 13-of-31 (41.9%) from deep.
Arguably the most impressive aspect of Pritchard’s game in camp has been his playmaking. The former Oregon Duck has handled the ball often and has shown tremendous growth in that area.
“It’s a little bit (of) being more confident in the playmaking ability and seeing the floor,” Pritchard said Monday when asked how he feels his point guard vision developing. “I think the game has slowed down a little bit more for me.”
Though it’s only preseason, the confidence and comfort Pritchard has played with has been apparent. The undersized guard has been attacking defenses and making great reads to find open shooters.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla believes having some stability after signing the extension has served as a confidence booster for Pritchard. The 25-year-old has seen his minutes per game decline each year he has been in the league, registering a career-low 13.4 minutes per game a season ago. Having signed an extension, Pritchard no longer has to worry about his play affecting his future.
“I think he has some stability as far as what his role is and how he is going to be able to help us throughout the year,” Mazzulla said.
Pritchard admitted that in the past having consistency in minutes has been a focus for him.
“In the past, I got caught up, and a lot of players get caught in when you are going to check into a game and how many minutes you are going to get, rather than focusing on yourself and being ready for the moments,” Pritchard said. “That’s a maturity I’ve grown in.”
With Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon gone, Pritchard has a great opportunity to emerge as another ballhandler and earn some increased minutes. If the Celtics do decide to go with the match-up-based starting lineup this season, Pritchard will play a big role in running the second unit in games Derrick White gets the start.
“His confidence comes from how hard he works,” Mazzulla said. “He’s grown tremendous strides on both ends of the floor. He’s going to be a huge piece for us.”
"He's fun. He can hoop," newcomer Jrue Holiday said when discussing Pritchard. "He’s a natural bucket. The way he plays is so easy. It looks like it just comes naturally to him. Always fun to watch him play."
No longer having to worry about financial security, Pritchard seems as confident as ever and poised for a breakout season in Boston.
Related
