In the high-stakes world of the NBA, where superstars dominate headlines and highlight reels, Payton Pritchard has quietly carved out a case as the league’s most criminally underrated player. As the Boston Celtics look to fill the void left by Jrue Holiday’s departure, the starting point guard position is up for grabs, and Pritchard has more than earned the right to claim it—especially when pitted against the talented but less certain Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers. The data, the context, and the future all point to one undeniable truth: Pritchard is ready to shine as Boston’s starting point guard.
For five seasons, Pritchard has been a model of perseverance. Navigating three different head coaches, a trade request, and inconsistent playing time, he’s steadily climbed the Celtics’ depth chart. His journey hasn’t been flashy, but it’s been relentless. While others might have faltered under such uncertainty, Pritchard has only grown stronger, honing his craft and seizing every opportunity to prove his worth. Now, with Holiday gone, the stage is set for Pritchard to step into the spotlight.
Last season, Pritchard was given his most significant scoring opportunities yet, and he delivered in spectacular fashion. His 2024-25 campaign, which earned him the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, was a masterclass in efficiency. Pritchard shot an astounding 44% from the corner three and 41% on non-corner threes. His mid-range game was even more impressive, converting 53% of his shots—a mark that placed him in the 100th percentile among players at his position, according to Cleaning the Glass. Even at the rim, Pritchard was unstoppable, shooting an eye-popping 75%. His effective field goal percentage of 63.1% also ranked in the 100th percentile for his position, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite shooters.
Compare this to Anfernee Simons, a dynamic scorer in his own right. Simons has been a highly efficient shooter for Portland, particularly during his time playing alongside stars like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. However, even in his best seasons, Simons’ efficiency doesn’t quite match Pritchard’s 2024-25 performance. While Simons has often been the primary scoring option for a rebuilding Trail Blazers squad, Pritchard has thrived in a complementary role alongside Boston’s superstars—a dynamic that highlights his ability to maximize his touches within a winning system.
Beyond the offensive numbers, Pritchard holds another advantage: defense. While Simons is a capable scorer, his defensive contributions pale in comparison to Pritchard’s tenacity. Pritchard’s hustle, quick hands, and basketball IQ make him a pesky defender, capable of disrupting opposing guards and fitting seamlessly into Boston’s defensive schemes. Simons, while talented, hasn’t shown the same defensive prowess, which is critical for a Celtics team built on versatility and grit.
Perhaps the most compelling argument for Pritchard lies off the court. Simons is on an expiring contract, leaving the Celtics with a tough decision: trade him before the deadline or risk losing him for nothing in free agency next summer. His long-term fit with Boston’s roster remains uncertain, and integrating him into a championship-caliber team could be a gamble. Pritchard, on the other hand, is locked in for three more years on a team-friendly contract. He’s not just a short-term asset; he’s a cornerstone of Boston’s future.
The case for Pritchard isn’t just about numbers or contracts—it’s about opportunity and potential. Simons has had the chance to shine as a primary option in Portland, racking up impressive stats in a system designed to feature him. Pritchard, however, has done his damage in limited minutes, often playing second fiddle to Boston’s star-studded lineup. Imagine what he could do with the keys to the offense as a starter.
Giving Pritchard the starting role isn’t just a reward for his patience and production; it’s a strategic move for a Celtics team looking to maximize its championship window. His efficiency, defensive tenacity, and long-term commitment to the organization make him the clear choice over Simons. The data doesn’t just suggest Pritchard should start—it demands it.
In a league where flash often overshadows substance, Payton Pritchard is the embodiment of the latter. He’s proven himself as one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers, a dogged defender, and a player who thrives under pressure. It’s time for Boston to unleash him as their starting point guard—and for the rest of the league to take notice of the NBA’s most criminally underrated talent.