After Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard agreed to a $44 million contract extension, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins is expecting a significant leap in his production this upcoming season. As the Celtics begin their new era without All-Star Jaylen Brown, Pritchard's expected to on an increased role.
For Perkins, he's predicting Pritchard to become the Celtics' second-leading scorer behind Jayson Tatum, he said, per ESPN's NBA Today.
“This is a guy who's been a bona fide killer since his Oregon days, and when you look at his career, every single year in the NBA, he has upped his game, especially last year,” Perkins said. “This is a guy that's not just a catch-and-shoot guy, but Payton Pritchard is a guy that the Celtics trust. When they put the ball in his hands, he can go get a bucket for himself, and make guys around him better.
“46 percent from the field for his career. Almost 40 from three for his career. Brad Stevens said it himself this summer, they're looking for him to have a huge impact. I wouldn't be surprised that after Jayson Tatum, if [Payton Pritchard's] is not the second leading scorer on the Boston Celtics.”
After Kendrick Perkins watched Pritchard averaged a career-best 17.0 points on 46.7% shooting, including 37.% from beyond the 3-point arc last season, he's predicting the seventh-year guard to take his game to new heights in 2026-27.
Celtics' Payton Pritchard's inspiring social media post after extension
Celtics guard Payton Pritchard's inspiring message on his social media is a testament to hard work paying off. As an undersized guard, Pritchard, most likely addressing his doubters, posted to his Instagram shortly after the news of his contract extension was announced, on Tuesday.
“Imagine if I listened to the people who said I couldn't,” Pritchard said. “Year 7.”
Article Continues BelowThe Celtics will host the Cavs at TD Garden on Wednesday.