The Boston Celtics are set to make a significant adjustment to their backcourt lineup heading into the 2025–26 NBA season, with Payton Pritchard expected to assume a starting role, while Anfernee Simons is positioned for a dynamic sixth-man role, contingent on his retention by the team. This shift aims to address both roster changes and injuries affecting the team’s offensive structure.
Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com reports that the Celtics believe Pritchard’s steady progress, familiarity with the team’s system, and ability to manage increased responsibilities make him the ideal choice to start at point guard alongside key players Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
Adjusting to Key Departures and Injury Setbacks
The decision follows major roster upheavals, including losing Jayson Tatum for the entire season due to an Achilles injury. This absence forces Boston to rethink its offensive leadership and strategy. Additionally, the Celtics traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, moves largely driven by financial considerations to fit under the NBA’s salary cap restrictions known as the second apron.
Initially, many assumed Simons, acquired in the Holiday trade with Portland, would slot into the starting lineup. However, head coach Joe Mazzulla’s plan emphasizes Pritchard’s chemistry with the team core and his development as a reliable scorer and facilitator.
Payton Pritchard’s Growth and Readiness for a Starting Role
Pritchard is coming off a breakout year where he earned Sixth Man of the Year honors, averaging 14.3 points per game on 47 percent shooting overall and 40.7 percent from three-point range. He also contributed 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and nearly one steal per game. When starting, his numbers increased significantly, with 21.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds across three starts last season.
Over the 17 games he began in his career, Pritchard has averaged 17.2 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, highlighting his ability to produce with expanded minutes and responsibility. These statistics illustrate why Boston is confident in his capacity to handle the starting point guard duties.
Role and Outlook for Anfernee Simons on the Celtics
Simons, whose early NBA experience in Portland was mainly as a reserve, understands the demands of a bench scoring role. Boston envisions him leading the second unit’s offense, similar to how players like Jordan Clarkson and Malik Monk have thrived as high-usage scorers off the bench, capable of changing the momentum of games.
Despite this, the Celtics remain open to trading Simons before the season if a suitable offer emerges, meaning his actual role might still evolve depending on team decisions.
Frontcourt Concerns Amplify the Importance of Backcourt Roles
While the team’s new backcourt trio of Pritchard, White, and Brown provides promising perimeter scoring potential, uncertainty lingers in the frontcourt. With Porzingis gone and Al Horford considering retirement or a move to Golden State, the Celtics will rely heavily on Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Chris Boucher to hold down the paint. This frontcourt rotation will face early tests as they adjust to increased responsibilities.
Given these challenges, the Celtics are likely to depend more on Pritchard’s ability to create shots and control game tempo, with success hinging on efficient perimeter shooting and guard-led offense to compensate for a thinner frontcourt.
Long-Term Strategy Focuses on Development and Cohesion
The promotion of Pritchard to starter reflects a strategic choice by the Celtics to prioritize internal growth and team chemistry over major roster overhauls after losing a star like Tatum. This approach suggests confidence in their existing players and developmental pipeline to keep the team competitive.
If Pritchard continues to build on his Sixth Man success and Simons fulfills the envisioned bench scorer role, Boston’s backcourt strategy could become a defining factor in their ability to compete in the Eastern Conference amid a season filled with uncertainties.
“This decision comes in the wake of sweeping roster changes and a tough injury blow.” —Grant Afseth, Reporter
“Holiday’s departure to Portland in exchange for Simons initially had many expecting the 26-year-old guard to join the starting five, but Joe Mazzulla’s plan instead leans on Pritchard’s proven chemistry with the core.” —Grant Afseth, Reporter
“Pritchard is coming off a breakout campaign in which he won Sixth Man of the Year honors, averaging 14.3 points on 47 percent shooting and 40.7 percent from beyond the arc.” —Grant Afseth, Reporter
“For Simons, the bench role wouldn’t be unfamiliar. He spent his first three-and-a-half seasons in Portland primarily as a reserve before emerging as a starter.” —Grant Afseth, Reporter
“That makes Pritchard’s shot creation and tempo control all the more valuable, as Boston may need to win more games through perimeter efficiency and guard-driven offense.” —Grant Afseth, Reporter
“Pritchard’s elevation also signals a shift in the Celtics’ long-term planning. The franchise is betting on internal development and cohesion rather than reshuffling the deck after Tatum’s injury.” —Grant Afseth, Reporter