Payton Pritchard expected to move into starting lineup for Boston Celtics
Following a devastating injury to Jayson Tatum that will sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season and a necessary roster purge, Pritchard will be elevated to the starting point guard role, according to NBA reporter Grant Afseth.
'The Celtics believe Pritchard has earned the starting job through years of steady development. His familiarity with the system and readiness to handle expanded responsibilities have made him the preferred option to open games at point guard,' said Afseth.
Pritchard was never going to supplant Jrue Holiday from the starting lineup, but the role opened up when the two-time champion was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Pritchard has made impressive strides as a playmaker over the last two seasons, which likely played a role in Boston's confidence in his ability to run the offense. Expectations have been tempered in Bean Town for the first time in a long time in the wake of the dramatically different roster.
But Pritchard will now be in the spotlight with an opportunity to shine in a lead role.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
21 minutes ago
- USA Today
Former Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay gives controversial take on Bo Nix
Bo Nix had a stellar first year as the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the club to a playoff berth. But at least one former Broncos player wants Nix to do more putting up during camp. Phillip Lindsay had a solid career as an NFL running back, spending his first three seasons in Denver, rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons in the league. So it should be no surprise that he feels he can speak out about Broncos players, specifically Nix, to improve. Now a pundit for Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan, Lindsay stated that Nix should step it up, considering that backup Jarrett Stidham had a better training camp thus far. And the dagger stated that Nix needed to stop preparing for his next training video. Check it out below for full context. While those words ring harsh, constructive feedback for current and former players should always be welcome. Were the remarks warranted? Will Nix take heed? We shall see. Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
USA Today
21 minutes ago
- USA Today
Boston Celtics jersey history No. 30 - Cedric Maxwell (1977-85)
The Boston Celtics have had players suiting up in a total of 68 different jersey numbers (and have three others not part of any numerical series) since their founding at the dawn of the Basketball Association of America (BAA -- the league that would become today's NBA), worn by well over 500 players in the course of Celtics history. To commemorate the players who wore those numbers, Celtics Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. With 25 of those jerseys now retired to honor some of the greatest Celtics to wear those jerseys, there is a lot of history to cover. And for today's article, we will continue with the second of 15 people to wear the No. 30, Boston forward alum Cedric Maxwell. After ending his college career at UNC Charlotte, Maxwell was picked up with the 12th overall selection of the 1977 NBA Draft by the Celtics. The Kinston, North Carolina native would play the first eight seasons of his pro career with Boston (winning two titles and a finals MVP in that stretch) before he was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985. During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Maxwell wore only jersey Nos. 30 and 31 and put up 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
USA Today
21 minutes ago
- USA Today
Should we be worried about Bo Nix? Tim Jenkins breaks down the film
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a rough first preseason appearance, going 6-of-11 for 31 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. Tim Jenkins, host of the All Things QB YouTube, gave a level-headed review of the performance earlier this week. "All in all, was that game cause for concern?" asked Jenkins. "No. It's preseason week 1." Jenkins had praise for Nix on certain throws, in particular a throw to wide receiver Courtland Sutton on the first drive of the game. Although the pass ended up being incomplete, it was Jenkins' favorite throw from Nix. "This one to me is probably my favorite throw from Bo," said Jenkins. "It's a great ball; Sutton has to make this play." Jenkins also broke down how Nix froze the safety with his eyes before throwing it to Sutton on a go-route on the sideline. "Absolutely perfect ball," said Jenkins. Nix did have his struggles, however. Jenkins noted how Nix underthrew a few passes, one to wide receiver Troy Franklin, one in the end zone to Sutton, and a pass right before Nix's safety to running back RJ Harvey. And then there was the safety. "That safety hurts," said Jenkins. "These are the kind of plays where it's like, there's not a ton to coach, right? Outside of, hey, he knows this, but know our situation. Where are you dropping? We're dropping back towards the end zone. Be smart. Get outside the pocket, but you have to get'er back to the line." Overall, Jenkins feels that Nix had a good preseason debut, with the caveat of cleaning things up. In order for Nix to take a step forward in 2025, he has to make certain throws and decisions to get this team points and win football games. You can watch Jenkins' full 16-minute breakdown below. Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
