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Should the Celtics move Payton Pritchard back to the bench?

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Peyton Pritchard is adjusting to a new role with the Boston Celtics. The 2025 Sixth Man of the Year has been moved into the starting lineup following the departure of Jrue Holiday during the summer. And, with Jayson Tatum out due to an Achilles tendon injury, Pritchard has taken on a huge role for himself and those around him. However, that growth in the role has led to an adjustment period that hasn’t always been pretty.

However, Pritchard’s performances are now beginning to be on par. The Oregon native is averaging 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, shooting 32.9% from deep and 43.9% from the field. His perimeter scoring numbers will undoubtedly continue to increase as he continues to adapt to his new role and the additional defensive attention he is attracting.

Still, given Pritchard’s success coming off the bench last season, there’s a valid argument whether the Celtics would be better off moving him back to the second unit and replacing him with Anfernee Simmons. Justin Turpin, Adam Jones and Rich Keefe recently discussed the idea during a recent episode of WEEI’s “Jones & Keefe” show.

You can watch the full episode by clicking the video embedded above.

Watch or listen to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Spotify: https://bit.ly/40JRevf

Apple: https://apple.co/45sAUBG

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf



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