Potential Role of Payton Pritchard in Boosting Boston Celtics' Title Prospects by 2025
Potential Role of Payton Pritchard in Boosting Boston Celtics' Title Prospects by 2025
Following a rocky December, the Boston Celtics concluded their prosperous 2025 with a resounding 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Despite the one-sided nature of the game, the loss brought Toronto's record down to 2-26, providing the perfect boost of confidence for Boston, who had lost five of their previous nine matches.
New Year's traditionally marks a time for making resolutions, and in the world of professional sports, this idea is no exception, albeit with a much greater level of challenge. The Boston Celtics' 2025 goal is as clear as it is challenging.
Boston is aiming to achieve back-to-back championships, a feat the team hasn't managed since 1969. However, they will face this challenge in a year where they may not be the overwhelming favorites, as they were in most of 2024. The Cleveland Cavaliers have made this clear.
Meanwhile, Wyc Grousebeck and the ownership group are hopeful of finding a buyer for the team in this new year. As previously mentioned, they first need to find a potential buyer willing and capable of closing a deal that could break several records. This is not entirely under their control.
Celtics player Kristaps Porzingis, currently sidelined due to yet another injury, is praying for improved health in 2025 after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. His commitment to staying on the court will only go so far; his body will ultimately dictate the speed of his recovery, and luck will play a significant role in how long he retains his strength once he does return.
When it comes to NBA resolutions, players might have more success by focusing on individual achievements that require less external support. Boston fans would love to see Derrick White make his first All-Star Team in February, following his disappointing 2024 campaign. Beyond that, Jayson Tatum is still chasing his first MVP award, while Jaylen Brown's teammates are still puzzled by his failure to make the All-Defensive Team last season.
Boston's most surprising award campaign this season could be Payton Pritchard's growing case for Sixth Man of the Year. It was no surprise that the Celtics' losing streak coincided with a period where Pritchard was scoring in single digits. In the Celtics' Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, for instance, he missed all eight of his three-point attempts, despite his 41.9% average from behind the line.
However, in his last three games, Pritchard has scored 18, 21, and 19 points, respectively, and the Celtics have won two out of those three games. Pritchard bounced back from his Christmas Day cold spell by coming close to a triple-double in a 142-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers. His contributions off the bench have helped keep the Celtics afloat during Porzingis and Jrue Holiday's injuries.
It's hard to remember now, but just a few years ago, Pritchard was unhappy with his playing time in Boston and had reportedly demanded a trade. Instead, the Celtics chose to trade away both Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, in exchange for Porzingis and Holiday. With room left on the roster, the Celtics promptly signed Pritchard to a four-year, $30 million extension.
If it seemed like an overpayment at the time, Pritchard proved the Celtics made the correct decision by playing a crucial role in their 2023-24 championship run and capping off his best year in the NBA with two memorable half-court shots in the Finals. Now, the Celtics could potentially have their second Sixth Man of the Year winner in just three years.
Even if he falls short of this individual milestone, Pritchard can still make 2025 a successful year for both himself and his teammates by continuing to perform at this level. If the Celtics want to meet their top 2025 resolution, they will likely depend on him.
The Boston Celtics' Sixth Man of the Year contender, Payton Pritchard, significantly contributed to the team's wins after a rough stretch, scoring 18, 21, and 19 points in his last three games. This resurgence came following a period where he struggled, missing all of his three-point attempts in the Celtics' Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics' big man who has been sidelined due to injury, hopes for better health in 2025 after undergoing ankle surgery. However, his recovery timeline and effectiveness upon returning are largely dependent on factors beyond his control, such as his body's healing pace and luck.
Despite Jaylen Brown's impressive performances on the court, he missed out on the All-Defensive Team last season, leaving his teammates and fans puzzled. His individual goal for 2025 could include securing a spot on this prestigious team, which would undoubtedly boost his reputation and contribute to the Celtics' success.