The Boston Celtics finalized Payton Pritchard's contract extension and closed their preseason with a 125-120 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on October 16. This caps a 4-0 preseason run that included victories over Charlotte and Cleveland, setting the stage for their season opener against the Detroit Pistons on October 20.
Payton Pritchard and the Celtics agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $44.2 million. The deal includes a unique mutual option, giving both the player and the team flexibility for the future. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Pritchard's development, which has been years in the making according to team insiders.
Jayson Tatum sent a congratulatory message to the guard after the news broke. The extension solidifies Pritchard's role as a core piece of the Celtics' backcourt rotation alongside Derrick White and Mike Conley. White himself has been working on his three-point shot after a dip in efficiency last season.
The team's 4-0 preseason record provided reasons for optimism. Their most recent result was a 125-120 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 16. They also posted dominant wins, including a 144-106 rout of those same 76ers on October 10 and a 114-93 decision over the Charlotte Hornets.
Paul George showed his defensive skills during the preseason, earning praise from Mazzulla for a "tremendous training camp." New veteran point guard Mike Conley credited the coach with empowering him to be a leader. The performances have sparked debate about whether this new-look group could be better than last year's team.
With Jaylen Brown now traded, a new era begins in Boston. The primary questions revolve around how the revised roster fits together. Can Paul George play at an All-Star level without the pressure of being the primary option? Will young players like Hugo Gonzalez or Baylor Scheierman make a significant leap to provide needed depth?
NBA legends have pointed to the Celtics as a major threat in the Eastern Conference. However, some analytical rankings, like ESPN's 'Now or Later' list, have placed Boston surprisingly low. The team's philosophy for success is still evolving, with Mazzulla reportedly bringing concepts from the NFL to his NBA approach.
The preseason is over and the real games begin immediately. The Celtics open their 2026-27 NBA season on the road against the Detroit Pistons on October 20. This matchup features a headliner duel between Jayson Tatum and the Pistons' Cade Cunningham.
Following that, a challenging opening schedule awaits. The early season will test the team's chemistry and answer whether their explosive preseason play translates to regular-season success. All eyes are on whether this group can secure a top seed in the East.
