Unleash the bulldog!

[liam]

Payton Pritchard is ready:


https://www.yahoo.com/sports/payton-pritchard-drops-61-points-131454766.html

[dannyboy35]

  I think PP will play more of a PJ Brown level contributor if this team won a title. There sure is nothing wrong with that! But I’m not sure it’s enough for PP to be a happy camper.

[liam]

  I think PP will play more of a PJ Brown level contributor if this team won a title. There sure is nothing wrong with that! But I’m not sure it’s enough for PP to be a happy camper.

I think he'd be happy with some kind of steady role.

[gouki88]

I think we'll see PP hit double-digit PPG this season in an increased role

[blink]

With Smart gone, isn't fastPP our 4th guard, White-Brown, Brogdon-PP?
He should see an increase in playing time.  But then again, our coach....

[Surferdad]

With Smart gone, isn't fastPP our 4th guard, White-Brown, Brogdon-PP?
He should see an increase in playing time.  But then again, our coach....

Yes. He's a good insurance policy in case Brogdon continues to have health issues.

[liam]

With Smart gone, isn't fastPP our 4th guard, White-Brown, Brogdon-PP?
He should see an increase in playing time.  But then again, our coach....

I would be happy to see him get a steady role of some kind. He seems to play better with a well defined role.

[hwangjini_1]

i like to cheer for pritchard as an underdog, short guy in the nba, and late draft pick. he can shoot the ball very well from 3 point land and he should see more time this year.

but his trouble is his defense, both man-on-man and team. man-on-man he simply is not fast, strong, or tall enough to effectively defend most nba level starting guards, let alone mismatches with wings and bigs.

on team defense, he surprised me by his lack of awareness and frequent mental mistakes. he often gets caught watching the ball instead of his man and it results in easy or open shots for his man.

pritchard's defense is what worries him should he get increased minutes, not his offense.

[otherdave]

yes, generally speaking 6' 1" or 6' 2" players are not a good fit in today's NBA.

Everything you just said about PP's defense just as easily applied to Isaiah Thomas as well - can score a lot but gives up a lot of points.

[Surferdad]

i like to cheer for pritchard as an underdog, short guy in the nba, and late draft pick. he can shoot the ball very well from 3 point land and he should see more time this year.

but his trouble is his defense, both man-on-man and team. man-on-man he simply is not fast, strong, or tall enough to effectively defend most nba level starting guards, let alone mismatches with wings and bigs.

on team defense, he surprised me by his lack of awareness and frequent mental mistakes. he often gets caught watching the ball instead of his man and it results in easy or open shots for his man.

pritchard's defense is what worries him should he get increased minutes, not his offense.

Right, but he clearly understands the correct position to play 1-on-1, stay in front of your man, always. I recall this specifically in a game last year where the team absolutely needed a stop.

[Neurotic Guy]

  I think PP will play more of a PJ Brown level contributor if this team won a title. There sure is nothing wrong with that! But I’m not sure it’s enough for PP to be a happy camper.

Who knows, but if Payton is in the rotation, plays meaningful minutes: 15-18 mpg (more when Brogdon is out), and the team is winning - what more can he expect?  That role on a contender will spark interest from other teams. He’ll get a decent next contract if he plays well with consistent minutes.

[Vermont Green]

Last season, Hauser had the 8th most minutes, 1,290 min in 80 games (about 16 min per).  Pritchard was 11th with 643 min in 48 games, fewer minutes and games than Kornet.  I am fine if Pritchard is getting similar to Hauser for minutes and regularity.  Having Pritchard available to pick up more minutes is a big part of why trading Smart for Porzingis works.

Pritchard will be the 4th guard behind Brown, White, and Brogdon.  That is a great role for him.  He should do well in that role, I expect he will prove valuable in that role.