Celtics Writer Suggests Payton Pritchard Could Bag New Accolade

There’s been a ton of chatter amongst Boston Celtics fans this offseason about who should start between Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons. While Simons may have a higher ceiling athletically, Pritchard is the more proven commodity, at least within the Celtics’ building. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has played a crucial role for Boston over the past few seasons, including during its 2024 title campaign.

NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg was the latest Celtics analyst to dive into the Pritchard-Simons debate. Forsberg argued that Pritchard should start and also made an interesting accolade prediction for Pritchard.

“We tend to think Pritchard deserves first crack (at starting) because, 1) He’s a core member of what remains of that 2024 championship team, and 2) Every time the Celtics have thrown more on his plate, he’s devoured it while taking another step in his NBA evolution,” Forsberg wrote on Wednesday.

“The 2025-26 season feels like a perfect opportunity to answer a query that has lingered for much of Pritchard’s NBA career: Can he thrive as a starter with the Celtics?” Forsberg continued. “There’s little reason to think he couldn’t, and we’re eager to see him get every opportunity to show he can do more this season.”

“Last season, Pritchard averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and five rebounds over 10 games played without Tatum,” Forsberg added. “He was at 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 19 contests without Jaylen Brown. If the Celtics outkick expectations early in the 2025-26 season, either Pritchard or Derrick White is making an All-Star team. The opportunity is there.”

Starting Pritchard is a more than viable option for the Celtics. For some who argue that PP should once again come off the bench, it’s not so much about Simons’ value as it is about staggering Pritchard’s minutes with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. By bringing Pritchard off the pine, Joe Mazzulla could have a rotation that always features two of Brown, White and Pritchard on the court at all times — something to think about.