Payton Pritchard has never been one to chase headlines, but when he finally addressed questions about his role on the Boston Celtics moving forward, his comments caught the attention of fans and media alike.

After a breakout 2024–25 season that saw him win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, speculation mounted over whether Pritchard would push for a spot in the starting lineup, especially after roster changes reshaped Boston’s guard rotation.

When asked directly about it, his answer was both straightforward and revealing: he admitted he doesn’t care about being a starter as much as he cares about making an impact on the game and helping his team win.

The statement came as something of a relief for the Celtics organization, which is navigating a season of transition after the loss of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Al Horford, as well as an injury setback for Jayson Tatum. For some observers, it looked like Boston might be headed into what could be called a “gap year,” a season of readjusting expectations. But Pritchard’s mindset shows that at least within the locker room, there is no appetite for stepping back or lowering standards. He framed his personal goals in terms of competitiveness and consistency, noting that his job is to bring energy, change the momentum of games, and be the kind of player who influences winning whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Pritchard’s emergence last season was one of the NBA’s pleasant surprises. Long regarded as a capable shooter and hardworking guard, he took on a much larger role and responded with career-best numbers. Averaging over 14 points per game with more than 40 percent accuracy from beyond the arc, he turned into one of the league’s most effective bench scorers. His performance also shattered Boston’s record for most three-pointers made by a reserve in a single season, and his steady playmaking gave the Celtics critical depth. That production earned him the Sixth Man of the Year award, a recognition that underscored his value as a spark plug and momentum-shifter.

When a player wins that kind of honor, the natural next question is whether he deserves a promotion to the starting five. For Pritchard, that conversation intensified when Boston acquired Anfernee Simons, another talented guard who is expected to handle significant minutes. With Derrick White and Jaylen Brown also in the backcourt rotation, the competition for starting spots is as fierce as it has ever been. Fans and analysts speculated that Pritchard might angle for more recognition or push back if he remained in a bench role. His comments, however, clarified that his focus is not on status, but on impact. “It doesn’t matter to me,” he explained in his recent interview. “What matters is controlling what I can control—being ready, playing my game, and helping us win.”

The humility in those words reflects a maturity that coaches and teammates have long praised. Instead of seeing himself as overlooked, Pritchard sees opportunity in every minute he plays. He embraces the idea that being the sixth man does not mean being less valuable, but rather being trusted to change the energy of a game at pivotal moments. For a team like Boston, which leans heavily on perimeter play and thrives on spacing, his shooting and quick decision-making are invaluable tools that complement the stars around him.

His comments also struck a chord with Celtics fans who feared that internal dissatisfaction could hurt the team’s chemistry. By publicly stating that starting is not his priority, Pritchard set the tone for a unified locker room. He echoed the message that the team’s standard is always championship contention, regardless of who occupies the first five spots. That mentality, rooted in Boston’s tradition of collective sacrifice, is exactly what the organization needs to hear as it balances short-term competitiveness with long-term development.

Pritchard’s perspective is also a reminder of how roles in the NBA are shifting. The sixth man, once considered a consolation prize, has become a prestigious position in its own right. Players like Manu Ginóbili, Lou Williams, and Jamal Crawford turned bench roles into careers defined by leadership, firepower, and unforgettable moments. Pritchard seems poised to follow that model, embracing the chance to be the steady hand that transforms games rather than fixating on a starting designation. In many ways, his value as a sixth man might even exceed what he would bring as a starter, since his energy off the bench changes the pace and gives Boston an edge against second units.

Still, his desire to downplay the starter-versus-bench debate doesn’t mean he lacks ambition. His competitive fire is obvious in every possession, whether he is diving for loose balls or pushing the pace in transition. What his comments reveal is that he channels that ambition into team success rather than personal validation. For a young player in a league that often rewards individual accolades, that kind of mentality is rare and refreshing. It also makes him a favorite among coaches, who can trust him to execute his role without distraction.

From a strategic standpoint, the Celtics’ decision-makers must appreciate his flexibility. Head coach Joe Mazzulla now has the freedom to deploy Pritchard in various scenarios without worrying about ego or resentment. If injuries or matchups call for him to start, he will be ready. If the team needs him as the first guard off the bench, he will bring the same energy. That versatility is invaluable in an NBA season filled with unpredictable twists, and it allows Boston to maximize its rotations without disrupting chemistry.

For Pritchard personally, the clarity he offered could serve as a stabilizing force amid the noise of media narratives. Instead of being portrayed as a young guard frustrated by his role, he will now be seen as a professional who prioritizes winning. That perception will only strengthen his reputation in the league, potentially opening doors for future opportunities while solidifying his standing in Boston. The Celtics, in turn, benefit from having a player who embodies the values of selflessness and determination.

As the 2024–25 season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Celtics manage their backcourt. The presence of Simons and White gives them options, but the spark provided by Pritchard is undeniable. Whether he starts or not, his ability to shoot, create, and bring relentless energy will remain a central piece of Boston’s formula. If anything, his comments ensure that fans won’t spend time worrying about internal conflict. Instead, they can focus on what truly matters: how far this group can go in pursuit of another banner.

In the end, Payton Pritchard’s confession about how much he wants to be a starter is simple: he doesn’t. What he wants is to win, to compete, and to maximize every moment on the floor. That honesty, combined with his relentless work ethic, has already endeared him to Boston fans and earned the respect of his peers. For a franchise that measures success in championships, not individual accolades, his attitude could be just as valuable as his shooting stroke.