𝔹ℝ𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝔾 ℕ𝕖𝕨𝕤: 𝔹𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕟 ℂ𝕖𝕝𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕁𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕋𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕞, ℂ𝕣𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕡𝕤 ℙ𝕠𝕣𝕫𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕁𝕦 ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕚? 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤 𝕚𝕥 “𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜/𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕚𝕜𝕒.

𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 “𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸” 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀.

The Boston Celtics enter the 2025–26 NBA season with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. Missing three of their biggest stars—Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Jrue Holiday—the team finds itself in uncharted waters. Analysts, rival fans, and even some within the Boston media have dubbed the campaign “The Year of the Break” or, more dramatically, “Perestroika Season,” a nod to a supposed rebuilding year.

But not everyone within the organization agrees with this narrative. Guard Payton Pritchard, who has steadily earned the reputation of being one of Boston’s toughest competitors, isn’t buying into the pessimism. Speaking to reporter Noa Dalzell, Pritchard dismissed the idea that the Celtics should write this season off as a lost cause.

“I don’t see it that way at all,” Pritchard said. “Just because we’re missing guys doesn’t mean we stop competing. This is the Boston Celtics. We play to win every single night.”

A Different Look Without Tatum and Company

The absence of Tatum, Boston’s franchise cornerstone, will undoubtedly be felt. His scoring, leadership, and two-way impact have been the backbone of the Celtics’ success in recent years. Without him, along with the interior dominance of Porziņģis and the veteran stability of Holiday, the roster looks much thinner.

Critics argue that this season should be used for recalibration, testing rotations, and developing younger players, rather than harboring genuine championship ambitions. Yet, Pritchard sees an opportunity rather than a setback.

“This is a chance for guys to step up, to show what they’re capable of when more is asked of them,” he explained. “That includes me. That includes everybody.”

Pritchard’s Expanding Role

For Pritchard personally, the circumstances present both a challenge and an opening. Known for his shooting, hustle, and energy off the bench, he has often been cast as a role player in Boston’s deep rotations. Now, with key stars sidelined, he could emerge as a central figure in the offense.

Dalzell noted in her coverage that Pritchard has been vocal during training camp, taking on more responsibility as a floor general. His confidence is palpable. “I’ve always believed I can run a team, set the tempo, and make winning plays,” he said.

Culture Over Circumstance

What resonates most in Pritchard’s comments is his emphasis on Celtics culture. Boston is one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, with 17 championships and a fan base that demands excellence regardless of circumstances.

“This organization isn’t built on excuses,” Pritchard asserted. “We know what’s expected when you wear this jersey. Injuries happen, rosters change, but the standard doesn’t change.”

His mindset has drawn praise from fans who refuse to lower expectations, even in the face of adversity. For many, Pritchard embodies the “next man up” mentality that has long been a hallmark of successful teams.

Looking Ahead

The road ahead will be grueling. Without their three stars, the Celtics will lean heavily on Pritchard, Derrick White, and a mix of developing players to carry the load. Few experts predict Boston to contend for the top seed in the East, but the team’s competitive spirit remains intact.

Whether this season becomes a “break year” or a surprising testament to resilience will depend largely on how players like Pritchard rise to the challenge.

As he summed it up himself: “I don’t think about labels like ‘rebuilding’ or ‘break year.’ We’re here to fight, we’re here to win. That’s it.”