Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is ready to take on a much bigger role this season than he likely anticipated. Over his five-year career, Pritchard has frequently been one of the first players to come off the bench, but he may step into the starting lineup this season.
Reporters asked Pritchard on Monday about the possibility of starting this season, and the 27-year-old guard wants to maintain a positive mindset regardless of his role.
“It does not matter to me,” Pritchard said, via WEEI’s Justin Turpin. “Starting or coming off the bench is something that I have no control over. That’s Joe’s (Mazzulla) decision. My only mindset is when I touch that floor, I bring my best.”
Pritchard has excelled in his role coming off the bench. Last season, he averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists over 80 games, starting only three of them. His outstanding performance earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
This season promises to be quite different, given that the Celtics traded last year’s starting point guard, Jrue Holiday. With his departure, it’s clear that someone will need to step up and take his role.
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Pritchard will likely be the first player to get a shot at stepping into the starting point guard position.
No matter if Pritchard starts the game or comes in from the bench this season, he is likely to showcase his best performance.
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