Jayson Tatum’s injury has drastically altered the Boston Celtics’ trajectory.
The Boston Celtics have shifted from championship contenders to a rebuilding squad focused on developing young talent.
The Celtics traded key starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday while losing rotation players Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
The roster now features Anfernee Simons as a potential emerging star alongside role players Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher, and Luka Garza.
Most of the responsibility will fall on superstars Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, as they are expected to carry the Celtics into the playoffs.
Bob Ryan believes Payton Pritchard will receive more attention and pressure next season
However, longtime Celtics insider Bob Ryan believes another player faces increased scrutiny.
Current Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard could see his role expand significantly.
Ryan suggests Pritchard’s perfect supporting role last season might evolve into something much more demanding.
“We’re counting on Tatum coming back 100% in 2026-27 and any sighting of him in 2025-26 is a bonus,” Ryan said.
“It’s going to be additional pressure on Pritchard, for example. He flourished last year in a perfect role for him and now he’ll have to advance up the food chain.”
Payton Pritchard faces elevated expectations with expanded minutes
Ryan questioned whether Pritchard can maintain his production with increased attention.
“We’ll see if he’s capable of maintaining that level of play when he’s more of a focal point,” he added.
Pritchard averaged 28.4 minutes across 80 games last season, starting just three contests.
Those numbers could increase substantially, particularly if Joe Mazzulla implements small-ball lineups with Pritchard as the starting point guard.
The guard posted solid statistics with 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 40.7% from three-point range.
The Celtics need Pritchard to maintain or improve that production to remain competitive for playoff positioning despite reduced championship expectations.
