Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard Drops Bold Mar 15, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives to the basket while being defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard Drops Bold 'Championship' Outlook Sans Jayson Tatum Ahead of 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 23, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury , many have the Boston Celtics out of championship contention next season since it’ll take him almost a full year to recover. However, Payton Pritchard and the rest of his teammates believe otherwise.

For them, Tatum’s absence means opportunities to elevate their games. So, by the time he returns, they’ll be a much better team overall. Plus, the Boston Celtics still have the likes of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jrue Holiday on the roster.

“We will put a good team together — a lot of competitors, and people will go out there and lay it all on the line every night,” Pritchard said via SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell. “And I believe people will elevate their games and have bigger roles, especially with JT being out (and) until he comes back, and they should take full advantage of it and be ready for those opportunities. And we will compete.”

“We still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win the championship again,” Holiday added. “I think the talent that we have in this team, not only on the court, but the coaching staff, all the way up to Brad (Stevens), has been amazing. The opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be part of it.”

Boston Celtics Rumors: Jrue Holiday drawing trade interest from rival teams

Given their complicated salary cap situation, the Boston Celtics may have to trade some of their key players this offseason, and Jrue Holiday is tipped as one of the top trade candidates.

May 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic’s Jay King, a handful of contenders are interested in acquiring the two-time NBA champion, despite his declining production and advancing age.

“Though Holiday dealt with lingering injuries throughout the regular season, his reputation as a known winner and top defender should interest several contending teams if the Celtics do look to move him, according to league sources,” King wrote in his column.