These is the best news we could hope for. That was the raw, unfiltered response of one Boston Celtics fan on social media the moment Joe Mazzulla made the announcement. As Celtics fans scrolled through their feeds and listened to post-practice press conferences, they were met with an unexpected and surprisingly emotional update from their head coach. Payton Pritchard, the undersized yet relentless guard who has carved out a name for himself in Boston through grit, hustle, and a tireless work ethic, has been officially named the starting point guard for the upcoming NBA season. Joe Mazzulla, with calm conviction, said what few predicted but many silently wished for — the Celtics are handing the keys to their offense to Pritchard.
The announcement sent shockwaves across Celtics Nation. Most were expecting a quiet offseason from Boston in terms of backcourt restructuring. With Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and even a potential Marcus Smart reunion being floated around in media whispers, very few seriously entertained the idea that the team would elevate Pritchard into such a prominent role. But for those who’ve followed the Oregon native’s journey from collegiate star to NBA rotation piece, the moment felt earned — maybe even overdue. Pritchard has long been the spark off the bench, the guy who changes the momentum of a game with a timely three or a burst of energy on defense. What he lacked in physical size, he made up for in heart.
Joe Mazzulla’s words carried an unmistakable weight. He didn’t just say Pritchard would get a chance — he declared that Pritchard was now “the man” in Boston’s system. Mazzulla described the move as a “culture decision” as much as it was a basketball one. He praised Pritchard’s commitment to improvement, his leadership behind closed doors, and the way he has embodied what the Celtics want to be: tough, focused, and unselfish. It was the kind of endorsement that players rarely receive unless they’ve truly earned the respect of an entire locker room. In that moment, it became clear this wasn’t a publicity move or an early-season experiment. It was a bold shift in how the Celtics plan to shape their identity going forward.
The reactions from fans were emotional, passionate, and wide-ranging. For many, it signaled a refreshing embrace of homegrown talent. Too often, teams chase stars while neglecting the development of their own players. Celtics fans have seen young prospects come and go, either shipped off in trades or buried deep on the bench. But Pritchard stayed. He worked. He waited. And now, he’s been rewarded. That kind of story resonates, especially in a city like Boston, where fans value loyalty and perseverance just as much as talent.
On Twitter, fans flooded the timeline with reactions. Some posted videos of Pritchard’s game-winning shots, his buzzer-beaters, and that one unforgettable game last season when he racked up a triple-double despite being the shortest player on the court. Others posted side-by-side comparisons of his stats from his rookie year to now, highlighting his steady improvement. But the dominant emotion across all posts was pride. Pride in a player who never complained, never chased headlines, and never let his height become an excuse.
One fan summed it up perfectly: “This is what Celtics basketball is all about. A guy who outworks everyone else gets his shot. Let’s go Payton!”
There’s no denying the move comes with risks. Pritchard has yet to prove himself over an extended stretch as a starting guard in the league. He’s had bursts — ten-game stretches where he looks like a young Steve Nash mixed with Fred VanVleet — but he’s also had quiet nights, games where his shot doesn’t fall and his defensive size becomes a liability. The NBA is a league of matchups, and opponents will surely test him early and often. But Mazzulla doesn’t seem worried. In fact, he seems emboldened by the challenge. He talked about building systems that leverage Pritchard’s speed and IQ, and about developing defensive schemes that allow Boston to mask potential mismatches. More importantly, Mazzulla emphasized that Pritchard has the trust of his teammates, which might matter even more than his skill set.
And indeed, that trust was on full display shortly after the announcement. Veteran leaders like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown took to social media with supportive posts. Brown tweeted, “This been coming. Proud of my guy,” while Tatum posted a photo of the two during practice, captioned “Cook up, 11.” Those endorsements carry weight, particularly in a locker room that’s chasing a title. The Celtics aren’t rebuilding; they’re reloading. This isn’t a tanking team giving minutes to a young player in a lost season. It’s a championship contender handing a starting job to someone they believe can elevate the group.
Payton Pritchard, for his part, responded with humility. In his own brief press availability, he didn’t focus on the promotion. Instead, he talked about “earning it every day,” and how he’s more concerned about winning games than starting games. But you could see the emotion behind his eyes. This was validation. This was his moment.
There’s an underlying tone to this decision that also speaks to Mazzulla’s coaching philosophy. By making this move, he’s showing he values internal development and chemistry just as much as flashy trades and free agent signings. In a league where stars are always on the move and rumors fly daily, there’s something grounding about a coach who looks inward for answers. Mazzulla is staking part of his reputation on Pritchard — and that shows both courage and conviction.
For Boston fans, the news is more than just a depth chart update. It’s a statement about who the Celtics are and what they want to be. It says they’re not just about collecting the biggest names, but about building something sustainable, something meaningful. Pritchard’s promotion is a reminder that the NBA is still a place where hard work can triumph over hype. It’s still a league where a player can forge his path without shortcuts, and where belief — from a coach, a fanbase, and a locker room — can be a powerful force.
There will be tough nights. There will be stretches where Pritchard is targeted defensively or has to overcome shooting slumps. But if the reaction from fans is any indication, he won’t face those moments alone. Celtics Nation is behind him. They’re not just rooting for him because he’s wearing green — they’re rooting for him because he represents something deeper. He represents the kind of journey every fan wants to believe is still possible in professional sports. The journey of a player who wasn’t handed anything, who faced doubt every step of the way, but who made it through sheer force of will.
As training camp continues and the preseason approaches, all eyes will be on Pritchard. Analysts will debate whether he can hold the role. Opposing teams will game plan around him. But inside Boston’s practice facility, there’s a quiet confidence growing. The kind that only comes when a decision is rooted in truth and belief, not desperation. Joe Mazzulla’s surprising announcement has become a rallying cry for the Celtics. And for fans across the city and beyond, it truly is the best news they could’ve hoped for.
Because it means the Celtics are betting on their own. And that’s a bet worth believing in.
