The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 NBA Finals triumph, are navigating uncharted waters. With superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined by a lingering Achilles injury from last season’s playoffs, the franchise has shifted gears, prioritizing long-term stability over immediate contention. General manager Brad Stevens has orchestrated a roster overhaul, trading away key pieces like Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks and Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers while allowing Al Horford to depart in free agency. These moves slashed payroll to escape the NBA’s punishing second apron, signaling a new chapter for the defending champions.
Stevens, however, bristles at the term “rebuild.” As reported by CBS News’ Matt Geagan, he prefers “retool,” a word that captures the team’s intent to stay competitive while reshaping the roster. With only a handful of players remaining from the championship squad, the Celtics are banking on a mix of youth, versatility, and untapped potential to keep them in the playoff hunt. But one looming question hangs over the team as training camp approaches: who will claim the starting shooting guard spot in this new-look lineup?
The projected starting five for Boston includes Anfernee Simons, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta. Jaylen Brown, now the undisputed offensive centerpiece in Tatum’s absence, will carry the scoring load, supported by White’s two-way play and Simons’ scoring flair. Hauser brings elite three-point shooting, while Queta, a raw but promising rim protector, anchors the paint. Yet, the spotlight is on Simons, whose hold on the starting shooting guard role is far from secure. Enter Payton Pritchard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, who is poised to challenge for the spot.
Pritchard is coming off a career-defining season, posting personal bests of 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting an impressive 47.2% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. The 27-year-old guard has long defied his 6-foot-1 frame with fearless play, a trait evident since his standout days at Oregon. His tenacity, playmaking, and defensive grit make him a strong contender to displace Simons, whose $27.6 million contract this season raises the stakes for his role.
Pritchard’s case to start is compelling. Beyond his statistical leap last season, he’s a better distributor and on-ball defender than Simons. His ability to orchestrate the offense and hound opposing guards aligns perfectly with coach Joe Mazzulla’s system, which values versatility and trust. Mazzulla’s faith in Pritchard was evident even during a turbulent 2023, when the guard demanded a trade due to limited minutes. As Khari Thompson of Boston.com reported, Mazzulla praised Pritchard’s professionalism, saying, “I love Payton. I’m happy Payton is expressing himself. At the end of the day, I trust him completely, and regardless of his circumstances, he’s always ready to play.” That trust paid dividends—Pritchard stayed, thrived, and earned a championship ring.
Pritchard’s intangibles also give him an edge. His relentless energy and clutch shot-making have won over teammates and fans alike. Meanwhile, Simons, while a gifted scorer, struggles with efficiency, shooting just 43.1% for his career. His defensive limitations could be exposed in a starting role, especially replacing a defensive stalwart like Holiday. For a Celtics team aiming to balance offense and defense, Pritchard’s two-way reliability might tip the scales.
If Pritchard claims the starting spot, Simons could seamlessly transition to a sixth-man role, where his offensive gifts would shine. Last season, Simons led the Trail Blazers with 19.3 points per game, showcasing his ability to create shots from nothing and ignite stagnant offenses. His scoring prowess off the bench could give Boston a dynamic punch, reminiscent of microwave scorers like Lou Williams or Jamal Crawford. However, Simons must improve his efficiency to maximize this role, as his career shooting percentage leaves room for growth.
The Celtics’ offense could become more unpredictable with Simons as a spark plug, especially alongside White and Brown. Yet, his defensive shortcomings may still be a concern, as Boston’s identity under Mazzulla has leaned heavily on suffocating defense. Trading Holiday for Simons already dials back the team’s defensive intensity, but a bench role could mitigate this by matching him against second units.
Rumors swirl that Boston is exploring trade options for Simons to further trim salary and duck the luxury tax. His $27.6 million cap hit is a significant consideration for a team in “retool” mode. However, if Simons proves his worth as a high-impact sixth man, the Celtics might reconsider moving him, especially as they await Tatum’s return. A strong showing could solidify his place in Boston’s plans, offering a bridge to the next phase of contention.
As Jaylen Brown recently declared, it’s a “new era” for the Celtics. With Tatum sidelined and the roster reshuffled, the Simons-Pritchard showdown will be a defining subplot in Boston’s quest to stay elite. Whether Simons holds the starting job or thrives as a bench scorer, and whether Pritchard’s breakout momentum propels him into the lineup, the competition promises to shape the Celtics’ identity. In Beantown, where championships are the standard, every role matters—and this battle could be the key to keeping the green running deep.