Yahoo’s Jake Fischer on Payton Pritchard’s competitive…

Yahoo’s Jake Fischer on Payton Pritchard’s competitive nature: ‘That dude is a hooper’

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has been on a tear this postseason, earning every bit of his new contract extension in the process. He figures to have an elevated role with the new-look Celtics this year after spending much of last season champing at the bit for more playing time.

The former Oregon Duck inked a four-year, $30 million extension last week, a vote of confidence from Boston’s front office in the plucky guard. Pritchard has shown a knack for scoring in bunches since joining the NBA in 2020, but his inconsistent role with the Celtics has been a challenge at times.

Yahoo Sports columnist Jake Fischer recently explained that Pritchard’s ability to stay ready and stay hungry comes from a singular source. As Fischer explained to the hosts of the “How ‘Bout Them Celtics” podcast, Pritchard simply loves basketball.

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Pritchard’s passion and dedication have been noted since he joined the league. But Fischer shared an anecdote to underscore Pritchard’s love of the game.

“I’ve personally been a fan of Pritchard for a little while. I don’t remember exactly what it was, but I think it was sometime last season. I was in the Celtics locker room in Philly after a game, and one of their PR people I’ve played pick-up with before. And PR guy says to Pritchard, ‘Oh yeah, Jake, like, plays decent. He’s not a bad player.’ And I was like, ‘Trust me, I’m nothing.’

And Pritchard kind of like tightened up. He like clenched his fist and was like, ‘Oh yeah? What’s your game like?’

It wasn’t in any intimidating, antagonistic kind of way, It just kind of showed that this dude is a hooper. And he’s confident and competitive.”

Fischer also outlined how this love of the game should bode well for Pritchard during the 2023-24 regular season. Likewise, he believes that having a chip on his shoulder may elevate Pritchard’s game further.

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“I think that kind of swagger he’s playing with is what he’s going to try to do,” Fischer said. “I’m not trying to speak for Payton Pritchard, but in my role as an observer. This dude is out here with something to prove.”

“He was stapled to the bench last year itching to play, itching to show that he’s an NBA player and one who can make an impact on a title contender,” Fischer added. “Now he’s got a shot.”

Pritchard and the Celtics have a few more preseason games on the docket before the season kicks off in earnest in late October.