The point guard is in line for a bigger role in the absence of Jaylen Brown.
With Jaylen Brown no longer in Boston, the Celtics are going to have to figure out the best way for the team to play moving forward.
While Brown was a legitimate MVP candidate a season ago, his absence will allow multiple players to take increased roles, from big man Neemias Queta to newcomers Paul George and Mitchell Robinson, to returners like Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez and Payton Pritchard.
Pritchard probably has the most to gain from Brown's absence, as the ball will be in his hands more often now.
Speaking with the media on Monday at Celtics Media Day, Pritchard said that he will continue to find ways to improve his game and that he will find something that "makes him excel to another level."
About Pritchard
The Oregon alum had a breakout campaign in 2025-26 as he averaged 17.0 ppg and shot nearly 38 percent from three-point range. While Jayson Tatum will come back and re-assume his role as the engine that drives the offensive attack, Pritchard will have the ball in his hands a ton as stated above.
He'll be able to initiate offense with the ball in his hands and he'll be able to create looks for teammates. His assist numbers could continue to improve and his usage rate will likely raise as well.
It's unclear at this point if he'll start games or reprise his role as the best Sixth Man in the League. Either way, he's a true weapon for head coach Joe Mazzulla as the Celtics look to replicate their solid season from a year ago.
Boston went 56-26 and finished as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Elsewhere for the Celtics
One of the biggest questions for the Celtics right now is who will start at the center position. Queta had a solid year last year and continues to develop into a player who's likely capable of registering a double-double on average. Robinson is also a capable big man who the C's signed to a nearly $50 million deal in free agency.
He also has championship experience, having won a title with the New York Knicks last year.
Up next
With camp now underway, Boston will get to work on preparing for the first of four preseason games, which is Oct. 8. The regular season starts on Oct. 20 as the Celtics travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons.
