The Boston Celtics’ decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers was one of the most surprising moves of the NBA offseason, ending a successful era built around one of the franchise’s cornerstone players. While the blockbuster deal has sparked debate about Boston’s direction, it has also shifted attention toward another player who could benefit from the roster change.
Payton Pritchard enters the upcoming season with expectations higher than ever. After steadily improving over the past several years and establishing himself as one of the league’s top reserve guards, the 28-year-old may now have the opportunity to assume a much larger role in Boston’s offense.
Much of the discussion surrounding the trade has centered on advanced analytics that evaluated the Celtics’ performance with and without Brown on the floor. Although Brown helped lead Boston to another outstanding regular season, several statistical models suggested that some teammates flourished offensively when given greater responsibilities during his absence.
Those findings have led many analysts to believe Pritchard could become one of the biggest beneficiaries of Boston’s new-look roster. With more opportunities expected to come his way, the Celtics are hoping the veteran guard can elevate his game to another level.
1. Analytics Offer a Different Perspective
Advanced statistics have become an increasingly influential part of evaluating NBA performance, and recent numbers involving the Celtics have generated considerable discussion. According to analysis cited by Yahoo Sports, Boston’s offensive efficiency often improved during stretches when Brown was off the court.
The data suggested that players such as Derrick White and Payton Pritchard were able to assume greater offensive responsibilities in those situations. The Celtics reportedly produced a higher offensive rating and a stronger overall point differential during possessions when Brown was resting compared to when he was playing.
Those numbers do not diminish Brown’s accomplishments or importance to the franchise. During the 2025-26 season, he remained one of the team’s leaders and helped Boston exceed preseason expectations by finishing with 56 victories, earning one of the Eastern Conference’s best records.
Still, the analytics have fueled debate over how Boston’s offense could evolve without one of its highest-usage players. Rather than relying heavily on isolation scoring, the Celtics may emphasize greater ball movement and a more balanced offensive attack moving forward.
2. Pritchard Ready for a Larger Role
Few players appear better positioned to capitalize on Brown’s departure than Pritchard. After winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2025, he has continued to develop into a dependable scorer, facilitator, and perimeter shooter capable of impacting games in multiple ways.
One area where Pritchard excelled was isolation offense. Statistical tracking placed him among the league’s most efficient one-on-one scorers, posting one of the highest effective field-goal percentages among players who handled a significant number of isolation possessions.
His production also increased dramatically whenever Brown was unavailable. In 10 games without the All-Star forward last season, Pritchard averaged 25.2 points while shooting efficiently from both inside the arc and three-point range, demonstrating that he can shoulder a heavier offensive workload when needed.
Those performances have strengthened the belief that Pritchard is capable of transitioning from an elite sixth man into a full-time offensive centerpiece. With additional minutes and greater responsibility expected next season, Boston hopes his growth will continue.
3. Following a Proven Blueprint
Some observers have drawn comparisons between Pritchard’s current situation and the path taken by Jalen Brunson earlier in his career. Before leaving Dallas, Brunson was considered an excellent complementary player, but his move to New York allowed him to become the focal point of an offense and eventually develop into an All-Star and championship leader.
While every player’s journey is different, the comparison highlights how expanded opportunities can unlock previously unseen levels of performance. Boston may be betting that Pritchard can experience a similar breakthrough now that one of the team’s highest-volume scorers is no longer occupying that role.
The Celtics also benefit financially from Pritchard’s contract. Scheduled to earn approximately $8.3 million during the 2026-27 season, he provides significant value relative to his production, giving Boston added flexibility as it continues reshaping its roster around a new core.
Whether Pritchard ultimately reaches All-Star status remains uncertain, but the opportunity has never been greater. Following Brown’s departure, Boston’s confidence in the veteran guard reflects its belief that he is prepared to become one of the franchise’s primary offensive leaders in the seasons ahead.