BREAKING: The Boston Celtics plan to start Payton Pritchard, with Anfernee Simons slated to lead the second unit off the bench.
The news coming out of Boston today signals yet another strategic shift for a team that has become a masterclass in roster flexibility and matchup-based rotations. Reports indicate that the Boston Celtics are preparing to insert Payton Pritchard into the starting lineup, while Anfernee Simons, a talented scorer in his own right, will be coming off the bench to anchor the second unit. At first glance, this may seem like a subtle tweak, but in reality, it reveals a lot about the Celtics’ philosophy, their trust in Pritchard, and their long-term vision for how to balance scoring, ball-handling, and defensive responsibilities across 48 minutes of play.
Payton Pritchard’s journey with Boston has been defined by steady growth, relentless work ethic, and an unwavering belief in his ability to impact games despite not being a traditional star name. Since being drafted 26th overall in 2020, Pritchard has carved out a role through his combination of sharp shooting, high IQ decision-making, and underrated toughness. The Celtics have, at various points, used him as a sparkplug off the bench, a spot starter in injury situations, and an end-of-game floor spacer in clutch moments. But this move—officially naming him the starting point guard—signals that the coaching staff sees him as more than just a situational contributor. They see him as someone capable of setting the tone from the opening tip.
Starting Pritchard is not just about rewarding his hard work; it’s about leveraging his unique skill set in the right context. His ability to spread the floor with his deep shooting range gives Boston’s star wings, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, more driving lanes to operate in. When defenses have to respect Pritchard’s quick-trigger three-point shot, it forces help defenders to stay closer to him, opening up offensive possibilities for everyone else on the floor. In addition, Pritchard’s comfort playing both on and off the ball allows Boston to run its offense through multiple initiators, keeping defenses guessing and preventing predictability.
Anfernee Simons, on the other hand, brings a completely different dynamic to the game—a scoring explosion waiting to happen. Simons has already built a reputation as one of the league’s smoothest offensive guards, with a lightning-quick first step, an advanced handle, and an ability to score at all three levels. Bringing him off the bench isn’t an indictment of his talent—it’s a calculated move to ensure Boston maintains a high offensive ceiling even when their All-Stars are resting. The second unit often struggles in the NBA when there’s a steep drop-off in playmaking and shot creation once the starters sit. By giving Simons the keys to the bench unit, Boston ensures they have a primary scorer who can create his own shot at will and run pick-and-roll actions effectively without having to defer.
This is where the strategic genius comes in. Instead of stacking all their offensive firepower in the starting five and risking stretches where the second unit struggles to generate points, Boston is essentially staggering their offensive threats. Pritchard helps optimize the starting group’s spacing and ball movement, while Simons’ scoring punch makes Boston one of the few teams that can maintain (or even increase) offensive pressure when rotating players. It’s the kind of lineup balance that championship teams strive for—maximizing every minute of the game rather than simply focusing on the first five minutes.
The ripple effects of this decision go beyond just Pritchard and Simons. For Tatum and Brown, starting alongside Pritchard could mean cleaner looks and more room to operate, especially if opposing defenses are forced to chase Pritchard around screens from the opening whistle. For big men like Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, Pritchard’s ability to hit them in rhythm for pick-and-pop opportunities or quick interior passes could create more high-efficiency scoring chances. The bench unit, led by Simons, could also benefit from playing at a faster pace, turning defensive rebounds or forced turnovers into quick transition opportunities where Simons thrives.
One might wonder: why not just start Simons and let Pritchard keep his bench role? After all, Simons is widely regarded as the more dynamic scorer. The answer lies in balance and fit. The Celtics aren’t just trying to field the five “best” players in the starting lineup; they’re trying to create a combination that works together in harmony. Basketball isn’t about individual talent in isolation—it’s about how pieces fit together to make the whole stronger. Simons’ best moments often come when he has the ball in his hands without having to share primary playmaking duties with multiple other high-usage players. By coming off the bench, he gets that freedom. Meanwhile, Pritchard’s game thrives when he’s part of a motion-heavy offense with stars who attract defensive attention, allowing him to exploit spacing and hit timely shots.
The decision also hints at Boston’s confidence in Pritchard’s defensive capabilities. While he’s not a lockdown defender, Pritchard competes hard on every possession, fights through screens, and understands team defensive schemes. His presence in the starting lineup suggests the coaching staff believes he can hold his own against opposing point guards while benefiting from the help defense provided by Boston’s elite wing stoppers. Simons, though improved defensively, still has moments where his defensive consistency wavers, making him better suited to guard second-unit players rather than opposing starters.
From a leadership standpoint, this could be a big moment for Pritchard. Being named a starter isn’t just about your on-court role; it’s a vote of confidence from the coaching staff and teammates that you can set the tone, both in preparation and execution. Pritchard will now be tasked with initiating the offense from the first possession, ensuring that the team starts games with energy, precision, and pace. Simons’ role, while different, will be just as important. He’ll need to embrace being the focal point of the second unit’s offense and use that responsibility to keep Boston’s scoring consistent throughout the game.
Another aspect to consider is how this could help in the postseason. Playoff games are often decided by bench production and the ability to maintain intensity when starters rest. By having Simons come off the bench, Boston essentially ensures they have a player capable of single-handedly winning stretches of a game when the stars are catching their breath. It’s similar to what the Warriors have done with staggering Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson over the years, or what the Clippers have done in the past with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George—always keeping one elite offensive weapon on the floor.
For the fans, this move might spark some debate. Some will inevitably argue that Simons should start because of his offensive talent. Others will see the logic in having him dominate second units and maintain a constant offensive threat. But if there’s one thing the Celtics have shown over the past few seasons, it’s that they aren’t afraid to make unconventional choices if they believe it helps them win. This is a team that has experimented with multiple ball-handlers, positionless lineups, and unconventional rotations. The goal is simple: keep winning, keep evolving, and keep opponents on their toes.
The psychological component can’t be overlooked either. Pritchard, having worked tirelessly to reach this point, is likely entering this new role with a chip on his shoulder—a determination to prove he belongs among the league’s starting guards. That kind of hunger can be infectious in a locker room. Simons, meanwhile, will have to embrace the mindset of a sixth man who can close games when necessary. If he approaches it with the mentality of someone like Jamal Crawford, Lou Williams, or Manu Ginóbili—bench players who were every bit as dangerous as starters—he could become one of the most feared reserves in the league.
Over the long NBA season, roles may shift. Injuries, matchups, and performance streaks often force coaches to adjust. But as of right now, this is the Celtics’ blueprint: Pritchard starts to optimize the chemistry and spacing of the first unit, and Simons comes in as an offensive detonator against second units. It’s a balanced, strategic decision aimed at maximizing the full 48 minutes of the game.
Ultimately, this isn’t about demoting Simons or simply rewarding Pritchard—it’s about creating a structure that plays to each player’s strengths while giving Boston the best chance to win night in and night out. In the modern NBA, where depth is as important as star power, moves like this can be the difference between being a good team and being a championship team. The Celtics clearly believe they’ve found a formula that can give them both explosive starts and sustained scoring throughout games. Now, it’s up to Pritchard and Simons to embrace their roles and turn this plan into results.
If this alignment works as intended, Boston could be looking at one of the most balanced and dangerous backcourt rotations in the league—a blend of precision, spacing, and bench firepower that keeps opponents under pressure from tip-off to the final buzzer.
