Brian Scalabrine, a former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, has always been known for his honest and sometimes brutally frank assessments of the game and its players. He recently shared his thoughts on the Celtics' young guard Payton Pritchard during an appearance on Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce's podcast. Scalabrine's praise for Pritchard focused on the young player's toughness and resiliency, saying that he has what it takes to be a dominant force in the league.
Pritchard, who was drafted by the Celtics in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft, has had his share of ups and downs in his young career. He has shown flashes of brilliance on the court, but has also struggled with consistency and adapting to the faster pace of the NBA game. However, despite these challenges, Scalabrine believes that Pritchard has the potential to be a game-changer for the Celtics or any other team that gives him the opportunity to start.
According to Scalabrine, if Pritchard were given a starting spot on an NBA team, he could average a staggering 27 points and 8 assists per game. This is high praise from a former player who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Scalabrine pointed to Pritchard's toughness and ability to bounce back from adversity as key factors that will contribute to his success.
Scalabrine's comments about Pritchard are not only a testament to the young guard's abilities but also a reminder that the Celtics have a talented young core that could be the foundation of a successful team for years to come. With Pritchard, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown leading the way, the Celtics are a team to watch in the future.
While it remains to be seen whether the Celtics will give Pritchard a starting spot, one thing is certain: the young guard has the potential to be a dominant force in the league. As Scalabrine pointed out, Pritchard's toughness, resiliency, and natural ability make him an asset to any team that gives him a chance.