The Boston Celtics are a year of rebuilding, and one of their long-term outlooks is ready to make a big leap next season.
The Boston Celtics are preparing to undertake one of the toughest seasons in recent history, so there are a number of major changes to be made.
Jason Tatum’s brutal Achilles tear injury left the Celtics having to back out of the fight as he kept him out of the whole season.
The Celtics did this by shooting the roster. This includes swapping the Christaps Porzingis Hawks and Trail Holidays for the Trail Blazers.
To replace Jrue Holiday, the Celtics have appointed Payton Pritchard as their starting point guard. And fortunately, he will be their most exciting star next season.
Currently, Payton Pritchard is the starting point guard for one of the most historic franchises in NBA history. This took a long time for the young stars.
After joining the NBA in 2020, Pritchard relied on several coaches to come out of the bench to provide scores and playmaking.
Last season, Pritchard was prolific, averaging 14.6 points per game to win the 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Now as a starter, and with more balls in his hands due to reduced star power, Pritchard is hoping to make an almost star-level leap with the Celtics.
Payton Pritchard has demonstrated his talent to thrive in the NBA on a championship caliber team for many years.
As a starter, this gives him the first right platform and the opportunity he has to play at the All-Star level.
The Celtics have a historic legacy of creating and platforming All-Star players. Is Pritchard the next star?
For now, the Celtics will be pleased with him making a contribution at a high level. However, Pritchard can make the most of this opportunity.