It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Boston Celtics over the past few seasons with big changes and twists and turns at every point. With the addition of Malcolm Brogdon in the summer Payton Pritchard has really felt the strain with decreased minutes and fewer opportunities to get on the court.
In a recent interview on the “Point Forward” podcast, hosts (and NBA veterans) Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, Pritchard had some notable words about his future, perhaps signaling future expectations with the Celtics or even another team. When asked by Iguodala about the next 5-10 years of his career, Pritchard says (h/t to MassLive’s Brian Robb) that “after I’m done here, after this year, I’d like to look- be a part of a bigger role a little bit.”
Pritchard adds “I think that’s what Brad … know(s) too. We’ve had that discussion but — a bigger role.” All of this is coming after a year where Pritchard averaged 12 minutes per game and a reduced role even from the playoff run last season.
New: Payton Pritchard made some surprising comments about his long-term future with Celtics on @pointforward podcast https://t.co/fUF22g11Ly
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) January 30, 2023
These sound like the words of a player who is on his way out. That may not be any time soon with another year left after this year on his rookie contract and the Celtics have no reason financially to make a move until next season to try and get some value out of a trade, should the right deal materialize.
With championship hopes. Boston must take great care not to squander assets even as far down the depth chart as Pritchard — but can the Oregon product be expected to sit on the bench forever? Fast PP’s comments could be innocent — or the first crack in the Celtics’ plans for their roster.
