Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard recently affirmed that the team’s pursuit of a championship remains unwavering, even with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to injury. The Celtics are refusing to rebuild or slow down and are focused on competing at the highest level regardless of losing their franchise star.
Pritchard shared his thoughts in an interview with Celtics reporter Chris Forsberg, emphasizing the team’s undiminished confidence and championship mindset despite this major setback.
Boston’s Commitment to Winning Stems from a Storied Legacy and Recent Success
Pritchard bluntly stated that the Celtics aim not just to reach the playoffs but to win the championship, underscoring Boston’s high expectations.
We’re definitely trying to be a playoff team. We’re trying to win the championship. It’s not even about the playoffs. We have one standard in Boston, and it’s to win the championship,
—Payton Pritchard, Celtics Guard
The Celtics have a rich history of success and have established themselves as one of the league’s elite teams recently. Their dominant 2024 postseason featured a sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals and a commanding victory over the Dallas Mavericks to capture their 18th <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA championship.
In the following season, Boston posted a 61-21 record, entering the 2025 playoffs as strong favorites to repeat. Tatum was central to this effort, delivering an average of 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across eight playoff games before an Achilles tendon injury abruptly ended his postseason during the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Without their leader, the Celtics fell to the New York Knicks in a 4-2 series defeat.
Strategic Roster Changes Position Celtics to Remain Contenders Without Tatum
With Tatum’s recovery timeline still uncertain post-surgery, many predicted Boston would regress, but the team instead pursued aggressive roster changes to remain competitive. The Celtics traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday to Portland, acquiring Anfernee Simons—known for his scoring ability—to help fill the offensive gap left by Tatum.
Supplementing Simons, the Celtics also enhanced their squad by signing versatile wing Josh Minott, whose athleticism adds defensive strength, and big man Luka Garza to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million, bringing additional size and scoring to the bench.
Further reinforcing the roster, Boston signed two-time NBA champion Chris Boucher for one year at $3.3 million, adding important frontcourt depth, energy, and playoff experience.
In a notable roster shift, Boston traded Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta in a three-team deal, signaling a move towards a more balanced and deeper lineup rather than relying primarily on star power. With Jaylen Brown stepping up as the team’s leading figure and the additions of Simons and others, the Celtics aim to sustain their championship pursuit.
Outlook: Celtics Press Forward with Championship Ambitions Despite Adversity
Though entering the 2025-26 NBA season without their leading scorer and dynamic talent, the Celtics are sending a clear message to the league that they remain serious contenders. Payton Pritchard’s comments reflect the organization’s championship-only approach, revealing that Boston plans to chase their 19th title vigorously.
Boston’s blend of emerging talent, veteran presence, and strategic acquisitions sets the stage for a challenging campaign where resilience and depth will be crucial. As the Celtics move forward, their ability to adapt without Tatum will be a key storyline to watch throughout the season.