Report: Celtics pick up Payton Pritchard’s fourth-year option

Payton Pritchard is not going to be a free agent on the finish of his third season after the Boston Celtics picked up his 2023-24 staff choice for the Celtics to retain his rights for his fourth 12 months subsequent season, based on Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.

No surprises right here. It could have been extremely odd of the Celtics to not choose up his fourth-year choice contemplating that he’s been part of the Celtics’ rotation at numerous instances over his first two seasons. Though he isn’t a part of the rotation at present, there’ll possible be alternatives for him to show his worth over the course of the 82-game season.

Final 12 months, issues appeared shaky for Pritchard following his gradual begin to the season and with the presence of Dennis Schröder after a promising rookie 12 months and an unimaginable Summer time League look. Happily for Pritchard (and you may argue for the Celtics’ playoff possibilities), after Schröder was traded to the Houston Rockets, Pritchard was in a position to carve out a constant position because the staff performed its strategy to two wins away from an NBA championship.

Payton Pritchard is a sharpshooter who additionally has a fast first step to get to the basket, significantly in opposition to bench squads. Now with Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White each on the staff along with place to begin guard Marcus Good, Pritchard faces much more of an uphill battle to earn minutes.

This might imply that Pritchard could turn into a candidate for a commerce nearer to the deadline, particularly as protection and defensive rebounding proceed to be evident issues for the Celtics. Pritchard doesn’t assist with both of these weaknesses, so it stays to be seen if he’ll be on the roster in March.

If he does stick round, although, he most definitely provides worth to the roster, as inconsistent as his position could also be. For now, although, we all know that the Celtics worth him sufficient to wish to hold on to his rights for the following season. Rather more can be revealed because the season wears on.