What's Happening?
The Boston Celtics have decided to start Payton Pritchard as their point guard following the trade of Jrue Holiday to Portland. This decision places Anfernee Simons in the role of the sixth man for the team. Pritchard, who has shown consistent development over the years, is expected to bring his familiarity with the Celtics' system to the starting lineup. Last season, Pritchard averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of 40.7% from beyond the arc. His performance in the three games he started last season saw a significant increase in his stats, averaging 21.7 points and 7.3 assists per game. Meanwhile, Simons, who averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game with a 36.3% three-point shooting rate last season in Portland, will be looking to make an impact off the bench. This season is crucial for Simons as he is on an expiring contract worth $27.7 million.
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Why It's Important?
This strategic move by the Celtics highlights their focus on leveraging Pritchard's growth and system familiarity to strengthen their starting lineup. The decision also underscores the team's confidence in Simons' ability to excel in a sixth-man role, potentially following in the footsteps of previous Sixth Man of the Year awardees. For Simons, this season presents an opportunity to enhance his market value ahead of contract negotiations. The Celtics' roster adjustments could influence their performance in the upcoming season, impacting their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. The team's ability to integrate these changes effectively will be crucial in their pursuit of a championship.
What's Next?
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, Pritchard will need to solidify his position during training camp, ensuring he meshes well with other starters like Jaylen Brown. Simons, on the other hand, will aim to maximize his scoring opportunities off the bench, potentially positioning himself as a contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award. The Celtics' management will closely monitor these developments, as the performance of both players could influence future roster decisions and contract negotiations.
