Boston Celtics X-Factor For The 2025-26 Season - Payton Pritchard

The 2025–26 Boston Celtics enter what might be their most challenging season in recent memory. With luxury tax concerns forcing the trades of key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and the devastating loss of Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles tendon for most of the year, championship aspirations have all but been put on hold. 

Yet despite the turmoil, all is not lost for the Celtics, who still have a number of weapons available on their roster to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, including Payton Pritchard. 

Fresh off winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, Pritchard will likely be presented with an expanded role on Boston’s depleted roster. While the Celtics may keep Pritchard in his super-sub role and add newcomer Anfernee Simons to the starting unit, don’t be surprised if Pritchard is rewarded for his efforts, becoming a starter for the first time in his six-year NBA career. 

Coming off a career year in which he averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Pritchard fell just short of joining the 50/40/90 club, shooting 47/40/84 splits. Bringing clutch shooting and an infectious energy to the roster, Pritchard possesses the qualities that the Celtics need in order to stay competitive during what many feel is a transitional year, whether it is as a starter or in his traditional role off the bench. 

Regardless of how coach Joe Mazzulla uses Pritchard, the Oregon native has noted that he will be approaching this season the same way. “There’s only one mindset, always. I’ve never been on any team in my life where the mindset wasn’t to try to compete for a championship.” 

With Tatum’s 36.4 minutes and Holiday’s 30.6 minutes needing to be distributed, not to mention their combined 30 shot attempts, Payton will certainly see an uptick in minutes, shots, and playmaking responsibilities. His ability to create offensively both on and off the ball will be crucial for a Celtics team short on reliable scorers. 

As Boston fights to stay relevant among the top teams in the Eastern Conference standings, Pritchard’s role and impact on the team could mean the difference between missing the playoffs and making noise in the postseason.