BOSTON — Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has honed his skills as a playmaker through years of experience, not only on the basketball court but also in other sports like football. His journey began at West Linn High School in Oregon, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, serving as the quarterback in football. This role demanded strong leadership and a deep understanding of teamwork, shaping his basketball mentality as he progressed to a professional level.
During the Celtics’ recent 112-93 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Pritchard’s skill set was on full display. With Jaylen Brown sidelined, he embraced the opportunity to facilitate rather than focus solely on scoring. “I feel like playing football and playing quarterback taught me a lot about aspects of reading the game and getting everybody involved,” Pritchard explained. His time on the gridiron instilled in him a collaborative mindset, emphasizing the importance of spreading the ball among teammates.
Pritchard’s game mirrored that of a quarterback as he calculated his moves on the court, whether orchestrating plays or driving to the basket. He demonstrated a perfect balance between being aggressive and maintaining his role as a facilitator, scoring 22 points in the first half while also dishing out eight assists—three of which benefited center Neemias Queta, who has emerged as a promising player in his own right.
The duo has been working on building their chemistry throughout the season, and it’s starting to pay off. After Pritchard’s pinpoint passes led to easy baskets for Queta, both players acknowledged the growing connection. Queta remarked on Pritchard’s ability to draw defenders and create openings, allowing for efficient scoring opportunities.
Pritchard’s ability to blend scoring and playmaking has kept the Celtics’ offense dynamic, even without their star player. He emphasized the importance of getting his teammates involved early on to build their confidence, knowing that opportunities for himself would eventually come. “The mindset never changes,” he stated. “It’s always about being aggressive and being ready for my opportunities when they come.”
As both Pritchard and Queta continue to develop their synergy, their contributions could prove vital for the Celtics this season, ensuring that the team’s offensive strategies remain effective regardless of personnel changes. This adaptability reflects a hopeful trajectory for the Celtics, emphasizing teamwork and collective growth in pursuit of their goals.
