Fansided · Dec 3, 2025
Payton Pritchard has made stunning transformation with the Celtics
Payton Pritchard has gone from being on the outside of the rotation looking in to the Sixth Man of the Year and now becoming a starter and a core member of the Celtics.
Boston Celtics, Payton Pritchard. | Brian Fluharty/GettyImagesA few years ago, glued to the bench, Payton Pritchard pondered a change in scenery. How could he not? He was buried behind veterans like Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon. The year before, he was initially fighting for minutes behind Dennis Schroder.
That 2022-23 campaign challenged his resolve, probably more than any other season in his life. He appeared in only 48 games, averaging 13.4 minutes per contest.
Sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make.