Payton Pritchard's Sixth Man Role Boosts Celtics' Success

Pritchard's move to the bench is paying dividends for the Celtics this season.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Payton Pritchard has transitioned from a starting role to leading the Celtics' second unit off the bench this season. This adjustment has leveraged Pritchard's proven scoring and playmaking abilities, helping to maintain offensive stability for the team.

Why it matters

Pritchard's sixth man role has been crucial for the Celtics, providing reliable shot creation and consistent point production from the bench. This change has also influenced Derrick White's role, allowing him to focus more on playmaking as the primary point guard.

The details

In five recent games starting from the bench, Pritchard has logged over 30 minutes per game and delivered more than 20 points in four of those contests. His steady scoring and playmaking prove this transition is more an adjustment than a demotion. Baylor Scheierman has stepped into Pritchard's starting backcourt position, and the Celtics are exploring this lineup change beyond the All-Star break.

  • Pritchard's move to the sixth man role occurred after the Celtics traded Anfernee Simons.
  • Over the last five games, Derrick White has averaged roughly seven assists per game, including a nine-assist performance against the Chicago Bulls.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A key bench player for the Boston Celtics, providing reliable scoring and playmaking off the bench.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has intentionally placed Pritchard in the sixth man role to leverage his strengths.

Derrick White

The Celtics' starting point guard, who has seen an improvement in his playmaking since Pritchard's move to the bench.

Baylor Scheierman

The player who has stepped into Pritchard's starting backcourt position for the Celtics.

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What they’re saying

“Pritchard's return to the bench role actually aligns with his strengths and does not signal a reduction in importance.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Celtics' coaching staff will evaluate if this balance of starters and bench contributors, with Pritchard in the sixth man role, sustains their competitive edge heading toward the season's critical moments.

The takeaway

Payton Pritchard's transition to the sixth man role has been a strategic move by the Celtics, leveraging his proven scoring and playmaking abilities to provide a reliable offensive spark off the bench. This change has also positively impacted Derrick White's role, allowing him to focus more on playmaking as the primary point guard.