After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month, Damian Lillard has become the subject of intense speculation regarding his next NBA destination, with the Boston Celtics emerging as a strong contender. Despite his recent Achilles injury, analysts express optimism about the Celtics acquiring the nine-time NBA All-Star to join forces with key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The potential of adding Lillard carries significant weight for the Celtics’ roster dynamics, particularly affecting the role of Payton Pritchard.
Two-time Celtics champion Cedric Maxwell remarked on the impact of Lillard joining Boston:
“Now, he comes in with the Celtics. You have Brown, you have Tatum, you have him,”
highlighting the potential formation of a formidable core. The Boston Celtics, amid their rebuilding phase and injury setbacks, see the veteran guard as a valuable asset capable of elevating their offensive capabilities despite the uncertainty surrounding his health.
How Lillard’s Presence Could Alter Payton Pritchard’s Role on the Team
Sports analysts Kevin O’Connor, Bobby Manning, and Noa Dalzell discussed Lillard’s fit with the Celtics on The Golden Report, noting the complexities his arrival might introduce. O’Connor emphasized the strategic advantage for Lillard in Boston, mentioning,
“You don’t have to be the guy when you get back. You have Tatum, you have Brown, you have Payton Pritchard, for that matter. Like you can rest, you can, you know, load manage, you recover from the Achilles injury.”
Lillard’s ability to share the spotlight may mitigate pressure during his comeback.
However, the increase in competition for minutes could impact Payton Pritchard’s playing time. Manning suggested that “Dame might hurt Pritchard’s minutes,” acknowledging the possibility of reduced court time. Conversely, Dalzell provided a more positive perspective, stating,
“I’m all about the team, you know, maximizing the opportunities. And honestly, like, if Payton Pritchard is who I think he is, then…. who I think he can become, like then like, there’s…. an addition of another guard is only going to be a beneficial thing. And if he’s not, then there better be another guard on the way because then next year is a big opportunity for him, but also a big challenge, right?”
The presence of Lillard could serve as either a mentor or a challenger to Pritchard, pushing him to elevate his game. Pritchard’s readiness to compete at a higher level may determine how much he thrives or struggles under the renewed depth at guard. His ability to adapt could be vital for his future contributions to the Celtics.
Payton Pritchard’s Rising Impact During the 2024-25 NBA Season
Payton Pritchard delivered a robust performance during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, appearing in 80 games while averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He displayed efficiency with shooting rates of 47.2% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc, and 84.5% from the free-throw line. His efforts earned him the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year Award, securing 82 out of 100 first-place votes and confirming his critical role off the bench for the Celtics.
Nonetheless, Lillard’s deep NBA experience—spanning over eight additional years—positions him as a priority for Boston’s lineup plans. Since Derrick White maintains the starting point guard position, the competition between Lillard and Pritchard would mainly revolve around the backup guard role, potentially cutting into Pritchard’s current average of 28.4 minutes per game. Whether Pritchard opts to fight for his spot remains uncertain, adding an element of suspense to Boston’s roster decisions.
Potential Miami Heat Destination Complicates Lillard’s Future Decisions
Amid the Celtics speculation, Miami Heat also stand out as a viable option for Lillard, offering the veteran guard the opportunity to reclaim a primary leadership role. On The Garden Report, Kevin O’Connor questioned Lillard’s agent about the player’s preferences:
If you’re Damian Lillard, do you want to go to a team where you might be the backup point guard to Payton Pritchard, you know, or to Derrick White and these guys, or do you want to go to a team where you’re going to be the starter, and you’re going to get opportunities to go back and be Damian Lillard again?
While Lillard played behind Giannis Antetokounmpo during his time in Milwaukee, he now might seek a team where he can once again serve as the focal point on offense. The Miami Heat appear to fit this desire by potentially allowing Lillard to reclaim his role as the main figure on the squad.
However, Noa Dalzell addressed some geographic and personal challenges surrounding the Miami option, observing,
I think the reality, though, is that we all know where Damian Lillard’s head was at two years ago. He wanted to go to Miami. He, you know, the reporting has been that he misses his kids, who are in Portland. So, to me, it’s like there are some geographic things, like maybe he wants to be near home, and on the West Coast.
Lillard has previously expressed homesickness, spending much of his injury rehabilitation in Portland, where he lived for 11 years.
Family Considerations Heavily Influence Lillard’s Decision
Lillard’s family situation plays a significant role in his forthcoming team choices. His ex-wife Kay’la Hanson and their three children reside in Portland, Oregon, while Lillard himself noted in a February 2024 interview that his life was limited after moving to Milwaukee, largely because of the physical distance from his family. Following a custody battle where his ex-wife sought sole custody, Lillard’s desire to maintain a meaningful role as a father figure intensifies his preference for a location closer to home.
This family factor could diminish the appeal of both Miami and Boston for Lillard if proximity remains a priority. Boston’s location on the East Coast and Miami’s distance from Portland contrast with his wish to be near his children, complicating his ultimate decision.
Implications for Boston Celtics’ Future and Payton Pritchard’s Prospects
The Celtics face a critical crossroads with the possible addition of Lillard. His acquisition would not only introduce greater offensive firepower but also reshape the playing time distribution among their guards. For Payton Pritchard, the veteran’s arrival could either represent a benchmark for growth or an obstacle to his emerging role.
At the same time, the timing of this move coincides with injury challenges for Boston’s star Jayson Tatum, who is expected to miss a significant portion, if not all, of the next season. Celtic fans might view signing another injured star warily, further complicating the reception of Lillard’s arrival. The Celtics must weigh these factors carefully in considering their roster for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
With the Miami Heat also in pursuit, Lillard’s decision remains uncertain but pivotal. It will affect the trajectory of both Boston’s lineup and Payton Pritchard’s potential to either solidify or adjust his role in the team dynamic. Ultimately, familial roots and professional ambitions will heavily influence how this NBA saga unfolds in the coming months.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Damian Lillard loyal?
A. Lillard stands out as a basketball star who values staying true to his city and team. He prioritizes loyalty, even if it means patiently waiting for his team to vie for a championship.