Mar 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives on Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

'Opportunities for Big Numbers Will be There' – Boston Celtics’ $30 Million Guard Predicted to be the Team’s Biggest Riser

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 9:06 AM ET

The Boston Celtics need everyone on their roster to step up to be competitive in the Eastern Conference next season without Jayson Tatum, and Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes one of the team’s role players is ready to step up.

While most eyes are on Jaylen Brown to take over this upcoming season, Hughes feels that Payton Pritchard can build off his Sixth Man of the Year campaign and become one of the best players for the Boston Celtics.

“Opportunities for big numbers will be there for Pritchard, who should slot into a larger playmaking and scoring role with Jrue Holiday gone and Jayson Tatum injured,” Hughes explained.

Nov 13, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) dribbles as Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year should be capable of turning his per-36 numbers (18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists) into his per-game averages while also deserving some dark-horse consideration for the league lead in made triples. He canned 255 as a reserve last year,” he concluded.

Boston Celtics insider drops optimistic take on Jayson Tatum’s injury status

The Boston Celtics have yet to announce a timetable for Jayson Tatum’s possible return. However, NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg said he won’t be surprised if Tatum is back on the court earlier than usual because of the latter’s relentless work ethic.

Jan 22, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots against LA Clippers guard Kobe Brown (21) during overtime at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

“We think there is a 100 percent chance that Tatum is going to attack his rehab with a relentless energy and a desire to beat whatever the generally accepted timeline is for an Achilles rehab. The team 100 percent put Tatum in the best possible position to do such by getting him into surgery just hours after the tear, and with a surgeon known for his expertise and advancements in Achilles repair,” Forsberg wrote in his mailbag article.

“It feels like the team’s reluctance to 1. Set a firm timeline and 2. Formally rule Tatum out for the 2025-26 season, even after a team like the (Indiana) Pacers did just that with Tyrese Haliburton, seems to suggest a desire to avoid putting any limitation on the rehab process,” he added.