Boston Celtics reporter Noa Dalzell has built a reputation for her sharp insights into the team, her in-depth understanding of the game, and her willingness to make bold predictions that generate conversations across the basketball community. Recently, she made one such prediction about Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, a player who has often been viewed as an underdog but is beginning to emerge as a central figure in the team’s success. Speaking with fellow reporter Brett James, Dalzell suggested that Pritchard could make the leap to All-Star status this season if the Celtics not only meet expectations but manage to exceed them. It was a statement that caught attention, not just because of what it implied for Pritchard but also for what it said about the Celtics’ outlook as they aim to contend for another championship.
Pritchard’s journey has been far from straightforward. Coming into the league as a late first-round pick in 2020, the 6-foot-1 guard was never viewed as a cornerstone prospect destined for stardom. Instead, he was labeled as a hard-working, high-IQ player with a reliable jump shot who could bring energy off the bench. His size and athleticism drew questions about whether he could thrive consistently against elite NBA guards. Yet, as the years have gone by, Pritchard has quietly proven his worth. His relentless energy, confidence in big moments, and consistent shooting touch have earned him the trust of both his teammates and the coaching staff. Now, with an increased role in the Celtics’ rotation, he is in a position to prove that his ceiling might be higher than most imagined.
Dalzell, who has followed the Celtics closely and chronicled their evolution year after year, has noted the growing importance of players like Pritchard in shaping the team’s identity. She told James that while stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will always carry the bulk of attention, the Celtics’ success will also hinge on how role players and emerging talents step into the spotlight. For Dalzell, Pritchard represents the kind of player who could redefine what people expect from him. She explained that the All-Star conversation is always fluid and often influenced by team performance. If the Celtics dominate the league and establish themselves as a powerhouse, there is a real chance for a player like Pritchard, who would be seen as a catalyst for that success, to garner recognition alongside the established stars.
The All-Star Game, after all, is not simply a reflection of raw talent but also of impact, narrative, and team success. Players from top-performing teams often receive an extra boost in recognition, especially when they are integral to the winning formula. Pritchard has shown signs that he could become that kind of player this year. He has already displayed improvements in his playmaking, his ability to score off the dribble, and his consistency from three-point range. With the Celtics emphasizing ball movement and depth, Pritchard’s role is expanding from being just a spark off the bench to being a reliable contributor who can change the momentum of games.
Dalzell’s point about recognition alongside another All-Star is particularly intriguing. While Tatum is virtually a lock for the All-Star Game given his status as one of the league’s premier talents, and Brown has earned his share of respect, the idea that someone like Pritchard could join them speaks to how balanced and dangerous the Celtics might be this season. If Boston is running through opponents with dominance and cohesion, the narrative of their success won’t just be about their top-tier stars but also about how players like Pritchard are elevating their play. Dalzell envisions a scenario in which the Celtics’ depth becomes too significant to ignore, forcing voters and analysts to acknowledge contributions beyond the obvious names.
Pritchard’s skill set fits the mold of a player who could surprise people. He has a knack for hitting tough shots in crucial moments, and his confidence is unshakable. That mental toughness, combined with his relentless motor, makes him a player who often swings momentum in Boston’s favor. In the All-Star conversation, these intangibles matter. Fans, coaches, and media members look for players who bring excitement, highlight plays, and undeniable impact. If Pritchard continues to step up in big games and the Celtics are sitting atop the standings, Dalzell’s bold prediction could very well come true.
Of course, there are challenges. The Eastern Conference is loaded with guard talent, from established superstars like Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard to rising names like Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson. Breaking into that group is no easy task, particularly for a player who doesn’t yet have the national spotlight. But Dalzell’s suggestion highlights the fact that the All-Star process is not solely about individual numbers. It is also about narrative momentum. Every season, there are players whose stories capture attention, whether it’s because of a breakout year, unexpected dominance, or being a vital part of a juggernaut team. If Pritchard is viewed as one of the difference-makers in Boston’s campaign, he could be carried into the All-Star conversation by the wave of team success.
Dalzell’s comments also reflect her broader perspective on how the Celtics are evolving. She has consistently emphasized that Boston is not just about Tatum and Brown but about the collective effort, resilience, and depth that make them championship contenders. In her discussion with James, she highlighted the idea that for the Celtics to exceed expectations, they will need players like Pritchard to rise beyond their perceived roles. That rise, in turn, could earn league-wide recognition. It’s a cycle: team success amplifies individual success, and individual breakout performances reinforce the team’s stature.
For Pritchard, the opportunity is clear. With Marcus Smart gone and a new-look roster taking shape, the Celtics have shifted responsibilities, creating more chances for guards to assert themselves. Pritchard’s minutes and responsibilities are expected to increase, giving him the platform to showcase his growth. If he can consistently deliver double-digit scoring, efficient shooting, and strong playmaking while maintaining his signature hustle, he will not just be a role player anymore but a legitimate contender for broader recognition.
The significance of Dalzell’s statement lies in its boldness. It’s easy to say that Tatum or Brown will be All-Stars—they are already established at that level. But pointing to Pritchard as a potential All-Star is a testament to Dalzell’s confidence in his work ethic and the Celtics’ system. It is also a reminder that the NBA is full of players who, given the right circumstances, can surprise everyone. For Celtics fans, it is an exciting possibility to consider: the idea that one of their most overlooked players could suddenly step into the national spotlight and be recognized as one of the league’s best.
Brett James, in their exchange, noted the risk inherent in such predictions. He acknowledged the crowded field of Eastern Conference guards and the uphill battle Pritchard would face in winning votes or securing a coaches’ selection. Yet, even he agreed that if the Celtics truly dominate, voters will be looking for ways to reward that dominance beyond just Tatum. Pritchard could very well be the beneficiary. Their conversation captured what makes sports predictions compelling—it is not just about probabilities but about envisioning scenarios that challenge conventional wisdom and invite fans to see players in a new light.
Dalzell’s belief in Pritchard’s All-Star potential is not just about this season. It speaks to a larger trend in Boston’s development: the emergence of players who can redefine expectations. For years, the Celtics have been seen as a team built around their two star wings. But in reality, their success has always been tied to the contributions of role players, from Marcus Smart’s defensive tenacity to Al Horford’s veteran steadiness. Pritchard, in Dalzell’s view, is simply the next in line to step into a role that elevates him beyond being a supporting piece. If he succeeds, it could redefine the way the Celtics are perceived, not just as a star-driven team but as a balanced, multi-faceted unit.
In the end, Dalzell’s prediction may or may not come true. The All-Star Game is notoriously difficult to break into, and Pritchard still has much to prove. But what matters most about her statement is the belief it expresses—in Pritchard, in the Celtics’ system, and in the possibility of players rising beyond their labels. It’s a belief that resonates with fans, who love nothing more than to see underdogs exceed expectations and earn the recognition they deserve. Whether or not Pritchard becomes an All-Star this season, Dalzell’s confidence in him has already sparked conversation and shifted perspectives, which in itself is a form of validation.
As the Celtics embark on a season filled with high expectations, the spotlight will naturally fall on Tatum and Brown. But thanks to voices like Dalzell’s, fans and analysts alike will also be watching closely to see how players like Pritchard rise to the occasion. If he thrives, Boston will be all the stronger for it. And if he manages to achieve the unthinkable by earning an All-Star nod, it will be a story that reflects not just his personal journey but also the Celtics’ collective strength. In that sense, Dalzell’s vision is not simply about one player—it’s about the power of a team to elevate individuals and the joy of seeing unexpected heroes emerge.
