Payton Pritchard prioritizes impact over starting role with Celtics

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has stated that his primary focus is on his impact on the game rather than whether he is officially designated as a starter or a sixth man. Following a recent $44.2 million extension, Pritchard expressed that he defines a starter by the amount of minutes played and whether they finish games, rather than the ceremonial introduction at the start of a match.

During preseason preparations, Pritchard has operated largely as a sixth man. He noted that he is willing to accept whatever role head coach Joe Mazzulla deems most beneficial for the team. Pritchard emphasized the importance of controlling what a player can control instead of worrying about external perceptions regarding lineup positions.