There are rumors that multiple teams are interested in third-year Celtics guard Payton Pritchard. The Los Angeles Lakers may be among those interested.
Payton Pritchard is being pursued by the LA Lakers
Alex Kirschenbaum of Sports Illustrated says: “He would instantly become the best-shooting point guard on the team’s roster, and could still have some untapped upside, whereas everyone else on that club is on the downslope of his career. Any time the Lakers can add a floor-spacer alongside LeBron James, it’s worth doing, and the best thing about it is that Pritchard could probably be had for cheap, perhaps just a future second-round pick and some salary-matching veteran’s minimum contract.”
Payton Pritchard is aware of his current situation
On November 25, Pritchard spoke with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg about his current situation with the Celtics and how he’s focused on being ready when his number is called.
Pritchard explained: “My energy, being ready to hit my shots, I don’t know, whatever the team is needing at that moment. Right now, I think my role is to be an energy boost, so, when my number’s called I gotta be ready…I think it’s just through my work, I always stay ready, my work gives me confidence, and I come out and try to do what I do.”
JD Davison is a possible replacement for Pritchard
On December 20, Cody Taylor of USA Today wrote an article pointing out why JD Davison could find himself earning NBA minutes in the near future after his impressive performances for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G-League team.
Taylor stated: “The 20-year-old has totaled only eight minutes across three appearances with Boston this season. The team is prioritizing his development and has opted to mostly keep him in the G League, with playing time at a premium with the parent club. Davison has shown flashes of being a regular contributor in the NBA and will look to continue to develop and improve in Maine. The team has found great success in the past with its G League affiliate and will be looking to continue that with Davison,”
Davison has started the season strong in the G-League, averaging 7.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game while shooting 47.1% from the field.
Still, it will be interesting to see whether the Celtics keep Pritchard on their roster for the rest of the season or release him so he can continue to develop in a larger role elsewhere. However, Celtics fans will be hoping that the Lakers do not benefit if Boston decides to part ways with Pritchard this season.
