The Boston Celtics may look very different heading into the 2025–26 season compared to the roster that won the NBA title just over a year ago. While Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury has been the biggest catalyst for change, Sixth Man of the Year winner Payton Pritchard says the team’s goals remain the same.
Speaking on the Celtics Talk Podcast with NBC Sports Boston, Pritchard made a strong statement:
“We’re absolutely aiming for a championship. In Boston, it’s never just about making the playoffs we’re always chasing a title. That’s our mindset, and fans should know we’ll do everything possible to compete for that.”
Despite that confidence, NBA.com recently ranked Boston 12th in the Eastern Conference power rankings a dramatic drop caused by major roster turnover and Tatum’s uncertain recovery timeline.
Key Departures Leave a Void
Boston’s offseason has seen the exit of several key pieces: Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet all of whom played meaningful roles in their championship run.
Pritchard acknowledged the emotional difficulty of losing teammates who had become close friends, saying:
“You build strong bonds. It sucks to see them go, but it’s the business side of the league. I’m really happy for guys like Luke who got well-deserved contracts.”
He added that Jrue Holiday, in particular, was like a big brother and someone he learned a lot from. Porzingis, too, earned praise for both his personality and talent two things Pritchard says the team will miss.
Stepping Into a Bigger Role
Pritchard, 27, is optimistic about the upcoming season, seeing opportunity in the restructured roster. After a breakout year where he won the Sixth Man award and averaged a career-high 28.4 minutes per game, he’s aiming even higher.
“Every year is a new opportunity to prove myself and grow. I’m excited and motivated to take the next step,” he said.
Last season, Pritchard significantly increased his scoring, was the only Celtic to play in at least 80 games, and led the team in assist-to turnover ratio among ball-handlers. He also shot over 40% from beyond the arc for both the regular season and playoffs helping fuel Boston’s record-breaking three point shooting success.
Looking Ahead
While the Celtics made a couple of late-summer moves, the main storyline of their offseason has been the loss of several key players. Still, with 17 playoff appearances in the last 18 seasons, Pritchard remains confident that Boston will remain a postseason contender even without Tatum.
The team may be entering a new chapter, but in Pritchard’s eyes, the championship standard in Boston hasn’t changed.
