Celtics Bench Player Payton Pritchard Plays Bigtime Role in Preseason Win After Signing Extension
By Jeremiah Santos
(Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images) MIAMI, FLORIDA - Payton Pritchard (#11) of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida.
Boston Celtics reserve guard Payton Pritchard had a day to remember on Sunday, October 8.
The 25-year-old fresh four-year contract extension with the 17-time NBA champions worth $30 million, months due to his reduced role in the team.
"It feels really good. Just to be secure, lock it in, and be a part of a great organization, a great city. Obviously, I think this is the best basketball organization and city in the NBA," Pritchard said ahead of their first preseason game on the same day.
While the former Oregon Ducks player was a regular rotation player for the Celtics during their NBA Finals run in the 2021-22 season, he saw reduced playing time and was relegated to a reserve role, including garbage time minutes, in the previous season.
He averaged a career-low 13.4 minutes per game in 2022-23, to the increased roles of players like Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brogdon.
With the departure of Smart and Brogdon, Pritchard is expected to assume a bigger role in the upcoming season, and the new deal signifies the franchise's trust in him.
Huge preseason game for Pritchard
Hours after the new deal was confirmed, Pritchard as the Celtics came up with a 102-101 preseason win over the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Garden.
Pritchard scored 26 points as he shot 9 for 14 from the field, including 6 for 11 from beyond the arc, and contributed four assists in just 23 minutes on the court.
