THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Payton Pritchard Named Starting Point Guard for the Boston Celtics — A New Era Begins Under Joe Mazzulla’s Leadership
In a stunning yet well-earned announcement that has ignited excitement across Boston and the entire NBA community, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla officially named Payton Pritchard the starting point guard heading into the 2025-2026 season.
The move comes amid a dynamic offseason of roster evaluations and strategic planning, especially following a playoff campaign that exposed the need for greater consistency and leadership at the point. With Marcus Smart now thriving in Memphis and Derrick White nursing an offseason injury, the moment has arrived for Pritchard — and he’s seizing it with both hands.
The Journey to the Starting Five
Pritchard, a 6’1″ floor general out of Oregon, has steadily earned the trust of his coaches, teammates, and fans since being drafted 26th overall in 2020. Known for his tireless work ethic, sneaky athleticism, and clutch shooting, he’s grown from a spark off the bench to one of the most reliable rotational players in the league.
Coach Mazzulla praised his development in a press conference at the Auerbach Center:
> “Payton has been everything this franchise stands for — tough, focused, resilient. He’s ready. We’re not just giving him the keys because we need a body. We believe in him as a leader.”
Summer of Grind
Pritchard didn’t take a single day off this summer. From dawn workouts in Oregon to late-night film sessions with assistant coaches in Boston, he transformed himself into a command-and-control guard — one who can score in bunches or orchestrate a half-court offense with precision.
Veteran forward Al Horford said, “The guy’s relentless. He’s like a surgeon out there now. You give him the ball, and the floor just opens up.”
The City Reacts
Boston fans flooded social media within minutes of the news. Hashtags like #PritchardSeason, #PaytonTime, and #GreenPointGuard trended across X (formerly Twitter). Local sports radio stations hailed it as a “bet on grit and loyalty” — a homegrown player rising through the ranks to take center stage.
What’s Next
With Tatum and Brown commanding attention on the wings and Porzingis manning the paint, Pritchard’s role will be pivotal. Expect him to push the pace, shoot fearlessly from deep, and bring defensive tenacity nightly. But more than that, expect leadership — the quiet, unshakable kind that wins over locker rooms and ignites playoff runs.
In the words of Payton himself:
> “I’ve waited for this moment, worked for it, dreamed of it. Now I’m ready to lead this team — the right way, the Boston way.”
With this bold decision, the Celtics are not just naming a starter — they’re declaring a new chapter. One built on loyalty, development, and the unshakable belief that heart still matters in this league.
