Payton Pritchard drafted #26 overall

Koufax

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He's an upgrade over Brad Wannamaker for sure. I don't mean to cast shade on Brad, who was a decent backup, but PP is a better shooter, as good a ball handler, and craftier even though he's 8.5 years younger.
 

lovegtm

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I'm probably wearing green-colored glasses, but I don't see a ton of reason that PP can't become VanVleet. (With the usual adjustments for the unlikelihood of a player reaching his top-end, blah blah.)
 

Cesar Crespo

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I'm probably wearing green-colored glasses, but I don't see a ton of reason that PP can't become VanVleet. (With the usual adjustments for the unlikelihood of a player reaching his top-end, blah blah.)
Hard to tell. Most of us considered him a high floor/low ceiling guy but he's already at what most of us thought was his ceiling.

Or in other words, it appears his ceiling was actually his floor. How much room he has for growth is up for debate. It'll be interesting watching him this year.

I also think PP has worked himself into the piece other teams would target in any trade.
 

slamminsammya

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I'm probably wearing green-colored glasses, but I don't see a ton of reason that PP can't become VanVleet. (With the usual adjustments for the unlikelihood of a player reaching his top-end, blah blah.)
One thing with VanVleet is he is an excellent finisher around the basket and uses his large booty to shield defenders. Certainly more wiry guys have been capable of figuring out how to use their body like that (Nash) but I do think it will be harder and I have a hard time seeing Pritchard having that aspect to his game.

Edit: I will leave this up as a testament to how wrong my eyes are, I looked it up and VanVleet's percentages around the hoop are very not good, ha! Career 54% from 0-3 feet, career high 55%. For reference, good guards are usually above 60%
 

Imbricus

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I like Pritchard a lot so far. He's already shown us some stuff that nobody thought was part of his game. I also don't get the "ageism" when it comes to the draft. Young players -- 18 or 19 -- are valued too highly as possible "home run picks" and "old" players who have spent a full four years in college tend to be devalued, it seems, and written off as high floor/low ceiling guys.

That seems to be how everyone overlooked Brogdon. I know when Pritchard's name was called on draft night, I was among those saying "Who?" But then when you look at what he did in college, the pick makes more sense.

Another thing with taking a four-year guy: the team controls him for a more valuable part of his career. The 19-year-old could spend two years adjusting to the NBA, and then by the time he figures out the game, he's angling for a big contract and could bolt in free agency. The four-year college grad will probably adapt quicker, and so you've got a more valuable piece under team control.
 

DannyDarwinism

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One thing with VanVleet is he is an excellent finisher around the basket and uses his large booty to shield defenders. Certainly more wiry guys have been capable of figuring out how to use their body like that (Nash) but I do think it will be harder and I have a hard time seeing Pritchard having that aspect to his game.

Edit: I will leave this up as a testament to how wrong my eyes are, I looked it up and VanVleet's percentages around the hoop are very not good, ha! Career 54% from 0-3 feet, career high 55%. For reference, good guards are usually above 60%

FVV does have outlier strength for his position, and where it really helps him on defense, despite his poor wingspan. He's also just really tough and smart, and a great help defender. PP has the same dog in him, and if can add about 15 pounds of muscle without sacrificing quickness or mobility, he can conceivably get there, but I'd be surprised. FVV is a truly excellent defender. I see the comparison, as they had really similar college careers (FVV had advantages in assist/TO and steal rate, though the Missouri Valley Conference is not the Pac-12) and there are some stylistic similarities, but VanVleet's defense is tough to project on anyone.

Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
 

Cesar Crespo

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I like Pritchard a lot so far. He's already shown us some stuff that nobody thought was part of his game. I also don't get the "ageism" when it comes to the draft. Young players -- 18 or 19 -- are valued too highly as possible "home run picks" and "old" players who have spent a full four years in college tend to be devalued, it seems, and written off as high floor/low ceiling guys.

That seems to be how everyone overlooked Brogdon. I know when Pritchard's name was called on draft night, I was among those saying "Who?" But then when you look at what he did in college, the pick makes more sense.

Another thing with taking a four-year guy: the team controls him for a more valuable part of his career. The 19-year-old could spend two years adjusting to the NBA, and then by the time he figures out the game, he's angling for a big contract and could bolt in free agency. The four-year college grad will probably adapt quicker, and so you've got a more valuable piece under team control.
Thing with the ageism, it's usually correct. There are always some exceptions. Shane Battier was considered a league ready player with a low ceiling and had a really good rookie season. That caused a lot of people to take notice and readjust their opinion of him... and then he never improved again because he actually was a finished product. The reason PP may look so good as a rookie right now is because he's close to a finished product. We don't really know yet and we may not know until next year. I would guess 4 year college players have less year over year improvement in the NBA than the one and done freshman. Plus, by and large, most players are what they are by age 25. That 19 year old has 5-6 summers of improvement. The 23 year old has 2.

If you're a truly bad team, swinging for the fences is better than hitting a single anyway. If are you a team in the playoffs in need of some bench help, a single can help a lot.



FVV does have outlier strength for his position, and where it really helps him on defense, despite his poor wingspan. He's also just really tough and smart, and a great help defender. PP has the same dog in him, and if can add about 15 pounds of muscle without sacrificing quickness or mobility, he can conceivably get there, but I'd be surprised. FVV is a truly excellent defender. I see the comparison, as they had really similar college careers (FVV had advantages in assist/TO and steal rate, though the Missouri Valley Conference is not the Pac-12) and there are some stylistic similarities, but VanVleet's defense is tough to project on anyone.

Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
If Tatum and/or Jaylen don't go nuclear, they will need one of the young players to turn into an impact player who is fringe all star. PP becoming FVV, Nesmith being Otto Porter. I don't think PJ Tucker would move the needle much and as much as I like TL, I doubt he's gong to be here long term. He's going to earn himself a big payday and players like him are just too readily available to spend big money on. I'd give him maybe 4/40. I have a feeling he's going to get considerably more.

I also think using FVV as an example is about as useful as using PJ Tucker as an example. They were exceptions.
 

PedroKsBambino

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Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
Agreed, though they might need two of the above to win a title. While I think it is low-probabilty to turn out this way, the TPE is another possible out. Ithas a real chance of generating a role player who replaces (say) the need for Grant or Nesmith's role above, and a small chance of generating an Aaron Gordon-type impact guy.
 

DannyDarwinism

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Agreed, though they might need two of the above to win a title. While I think it is low-probabilty to turn out this way, the TPE is another possible out. Ithas a real chance of generating a role player who replaces (say) the need for Grant or Nesmith's role above, and a small chance of generating an Aaron Gordon-type impact guy.
Yeah, I haven’t seen him play at all this year, but looking at Otto Porter’s stats, he’s been shooting it really well so far, and if he’s back to being the guy he was before the injury, he’s an excellent fit on an expiring deal that would (barely) work under the TPE. They may not want to use the whole thing on one guy like that, but he’d fill a need.
 

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Yeah, I haven’t seen him play at all this year, but looking at Otto Porter’s stats, he’s been shooting it really well so far, and if he’s back to being the guy he was before the injury, he’s an excellent fit on an expiring deal that would (barely) work under the TPE. They may not want to use the whole thing on one guy like that, but he’d fill a need.
Porter had a big game against Washington last nite.
 

benhogan

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Yeah, I haven’t seen him play at all this year, but looking at Otto Porter’s stats, he’s been shooting it really well so far, and if he’s back to being the guy he was before the injury, he’s an excellent fit on an expiring deal that would (barely) work under the TPE. They may not want to use the whole thing on one guy like that, but he’d fill a need.
I don't think they can use the entire 28.5MM TPE in-season (unless they send out something like $13MM) after giving the MLE to TT.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong
 

BostonFanInCanesLand

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Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
Romeo weeps.

But I like the 10,000 foot perspective. Pritchard being useful from the jump adds more paths to success.
 

PedroKsBambino

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I don't think they can use the entire 28.5MM TPE in-season (unless they send out something like $13MM) after giving the MLE to TT.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong
They are hard-capped. I believe they are $22 mil under that hard-cap, so to get to Porter's $28.5 they'd need to move Theis' $5 mil and Semi or Edwards.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/boston-celtics/cap/
The other consideration, for which the $15.7 mil I think you have in your head matters, is the luxury tax. They can reset the repeater tax if they add less than that number, which is pretty valuable going forward since Tatum's number leaps up next year. So my personal guess has been that they will only add more than $15.7 in salary if they get a material long-term asset back for doing so. They don't really have the salaries to get down to net +$15.7 mil for a Porter level salary without including Smart in the outgoing package.

So my personal guess at their plans by order of preference:

1. If, somehow, an impact guy becomes available given their assets they get him and worry about tax later (unlikely....Buddy Hield is only guy in that salary range who is conceivable coming available imo)
2. If they can add a material asset who helps this year and beyond while staying under the tax, they do it (Aaron Gordon fits this model with tiny money going back other way). If they need to exceed the tax, they will do it for the right asset but the bar is higher (not sure there's really a player fit for it)
3. If they hold the TPE fully until offseason they have a lot more options, including a sign-and-trade I think, though not 100% sure on that (if they can, it's interesting since unlike a team with true FA $ they might be willing to try a RFA tender with the money)
4. If they feel they need a small asset in-season, they'll try to use the Kanter TPE for it also be willing to dip into the Hayward TPE instead if they need to (Evan Fournier, who they might view as a re-sign possibility and thus is really in category 2; there's some extension-eligble guys who I could imagine here)
 
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benhogan

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If Tatum and/or Jaylen don't go nuclear, they will need one of the young players to turn into an impact player who is fringe all star. PP becoming FVV, Nesmith being Otto Porter. I don't think PJ Tucker would move the needle much and as much as I like TL, I doubt he's gong to be here long term. He's going to earn himself a big payday and players like him are just too readily available to spend big money on. I'd give him maybe 4/40. I have a feeling he's going to get considerably more.

I also think using FVV as an example is about as useful as using PJ Tucker as an example. They were exceptions.
TL getting considerably more than 4 for $40MM? That would mean he was healthy for the season and had an awesome year. Great, sign me up for that.

BUT It's really going to be tough for TL to put up big numbers if he is sharing the 5 with Theis and Tristan.

ALSO is TL going to get paid ahead of Mitchell Robinson and Jarrett Allen? or the other dozen centers available

I like TL's first 5 4 games this season but he'll need to do a lot (like play a full season) to get 4yrs guaranteed

edit: forgot TL already missed a game this year due to injury
 
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DannyDarwinism

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Romeo weeps.
An unintentional omission! Yeah, if he develops into a decent shooter, he can absolutely become a valuable two-way player. Injuries suck.

The other consideration, for which the $15.7 mil I think you have in your head matters, is the luxury tax. They can reset the repeater tax if they add less than that number, which is pretty valuable going forward since Tatum's number leaps up next year. So my personal guess has been that they will only add more than $15.7 in salary if they get a material long-term asset back for doing so.
Got it, yeah, that sounds right.
 

benhogan

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They are hard-capped. I believe they are $22 mil under that hard-cap, so to get to Porter's $28.5 they'd need to move Theis' $5 mil and Semi or Edwards.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/boston-celtics/cap/
The other consideration, for which the $15.7 mil I think you have in your head matters, is the luxury tax. They can reset the repeater tax if they add less than that number, which is pretty valuable going forward since Tatum's number leaps up next year. So my personal guess has been that they will only add more than $15.7 in salary if they get a material long-term asset back for doing so. They don't really have the salaries to get down to net +$15.7 mil for a Porter level salary without including Smart in the outgoing package.
OK thanks, that's right. Danny will probably stay clear of the repeater tax. That will leave plenty for the next offseason.
 

Cesar Crespo

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I'd begrudgingly take Porter but he's not one of my preferred choices. I think some of my preferred choices won't be available though.

edit: Holding out hope for Beal or LaVine. I'd prefer Gordon too. Don't think any are going to happen though.
 

chilidawg

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One thing with VanVleet is he is an excellent finisher around the basket and uses his large booty to shield defenders. Certainly more wiry guys have been capable of figuring out how to use their body like that (Nash) but I do think it will be harder and I have a hard time seeing Pritchard having that aspect to his game.

Edit: I will leave this up as a testament to how wrong my eyes are, I looked it up and VanVleet's percentages around the hoop are very not good, ha! Career 54% from 0-3 feet, career high 55%. For reference, good guards are usually above 60%
I'm not sure why you think PP doesn't have good finishing ability at the rim, he's taking 25% of his shots there and he's made them all. He's also made 2/3 of shots from 3-10.
 

slamminsammya

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I'm not sure why you think PP doesn't have good finishing ability at the rim, he's taking 25% of his shots there and he's made them all. He's also made 2/3 of shots from 3-10.
Because he is small and not explosive. I could be wrong, but he seems hesitant going up against the trees. It actually works out well for now since he is pretty good at Nashing underneath the hoop.
 

benhogan

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I'm not sure why you think PP doesn't have good finishing ability at the rim, he's taking 25% of his shots there and he's made them all. He's also made 2/3 of shots from 3-10.
according to ESPN:

Pritchard (22) 6'2" 206lbs
VanVleet (26) 6' 195lbs

At 22, PP can still get stronger
 

lovegtm

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Van Vleet is also meh at the rim over his career, so the whole take is really off. Happens to everyone.

Re TL getting paid in FA: Allen and Robinson are going to get paid by their current teams, meaning TL is a guy teams could see as gettable, with the Celtics already paying Brown/Tatum/Kemba (and Smart is a UFA that summer).

The most realistic value scenario for TL is that you can get him to sign 4/40 or something after this year when he's extension-eligible. That wouldn't be at all crazy for a young big, and I imagine most young bigs are terrified of getting Noel'd. That's the only position at which you can really low-ball guys.
 

Cellar-Door

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He should be starting for Waters and when Kemba comes back Waters becomes redundant.
Waters only started because Smart is out. Also, 8mile was better off coming off the bench, that's the unit that needs a ballhandler right now, and his extra scoring. You'd rather have him play the role he's playing well, and the one he's likely to play a good amount this year than shake it up just for a game or two

Playing him off the bench, but giving him a key role there is good coaching, and will pay off.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill. Really manipulates the ball well, and keeps it on a string.

The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
 

radsoxfan

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Pritchard is a great example of why you draft the player you think is best in the draft, regardless of "fit" or public opinion.

Danny used 2 picks last year on undersized guards and some people thought it was weird to pick another one in Pritchard.

A lesser GM with a shorter leash might have shied away from that pick, but give Danny credit. If you think you find a rotation player at #26 you go for it, regardless of the fit or what happened last year.
 

radsoxfan

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When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill.

The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
He really does have that Steve Nash soccer-type quickness thing going on... he is breaking a lot of ankles and beats his man off the dribble pretty easily.
 

The Mort Report

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Waters only started because Smart is out. Also, 8mile was better off coming off the bench, that's the unit that needs a ballhandler right now, and his extra scoring. You'd rather have him play the role he's playing well, and the one he's likely to play a good amount this year than shake it up just for a game or two

Playing him off the bench, but giving him a key role there is good coaching, and will pay off.
Yeah I was coming to post something along these lines. With Teague and Smart out the only players that could move effectively or penetrate with the ball are Pritchard, Brown and Tatum. The bench right now is a bunch of spot up shooters, no one can really create their own offense, so you need a player like PP to run it. What also makes him good for the bench is when he drives you really have no clue if he's looking for his own shot or to pass, it doesn't change the way he attacks, so it keeps the second unit engaged instead of standing around watching the Jays get theirs.

If they are in the same position tomorrow with those 2 guys out, I'd rather run Brown/Semi(or GWill)/Tatum/Nesmith/TT. Waters proved he adds no value tonight, and if we have to throw someone in the fire make it Nesmith who can stand in the corner and shoot a kickout 3 if needed. I would want one of GWill/Semi to come off the bench.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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The skill and cleverness are evident. At least thus far, he has been a welcome surprise given their need for ball-handling & playmaking. He seems to have benefitted not just from four years in college but I wonder if he has had any actual run with NBA players during his time off. He really appears a to possess a veteran level of comfort with the speed of the game thus far in his career.
 

radsoxfan

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The skill and cleverness are evident. At least thus far, he has been a welcome surprise given their need for ball-handling & playmaking. He seems to have benefitted not just from four years in college but I wonder if he has had any actual run with NBA players during his time off. He really appears a to possess a veteran level of comfort with the speed of the game thus far in his career.
I saw Dame Lillard congratulated him on being drafted twitter and PP replied "appreciate you big bro".

Don't know if they played together but wouldn't surprise me, both in Oregon of course.
 

amarshal2

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He’s really good. Like, really good. Four year college or not, it’s time to throw away all our priors about what he can be. I’m sure Ainge was hoping he’d be this good in 1-2 years...that he’s this good out of the gate makes you wonder about what he can become.
 

amarshal2

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When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill. Really manipulates the ball well, and keeps it on a string.

The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
Honestly he’s like a smaller, less athletic...James Harden. At least earlier in his career. That guy is on another level mentally and is more skilled but PP’s got some of that craftiness and balance.
 
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DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I saw Dame Lillard congratulated him on being drafted twitter and PP replied "appreciate you big bro".

Don't know if they played together but wouldn't surprise me, both in Oregon of course.
I did see that too but further research yields no clues whether the kid has actually worked out with NBA players. That said, I've heard of the regular off-season pro games in Seattle so maybe he got run there.

Also, that Jaylen IG post is gold. Thanks SC.
 

BigSoxFan

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I did see that too but further research yields no clues whether the kid has actually worked out with NBA players. That said, I've heard of the regular off-season pro games in Seattle so maybe he got run there.

Also, that Jaylen IG post is gold. Thanks SC.
Is that dude in the IG post a younger Pritchard or do all white guys just look alike to me?
 

DannyDarwinism

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Pritchard is a great example of why you draft the player you think is best in the draft, regardless of "fit" or public opinion.

Danny used 2 picks last year on undersized guards and some people thought it was weird to pick another one in Pritchard.

A lesser GM with a shorter leash might have shied away from that pick, but give Danny credit. If you think you find a rotation player at #26 you go for it, regardless of the fit or what happened last year.
This is a really good point.

I’m loving everything about the PP experience, this thread included.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Is that dude in the IG post a younger Pritchard or do all white guys just look alike to me?
I believe it is indeed a younger Pritchard participating in what was known back in the simpler time of 2016 as the running man challenge. That dance and the accompanying song are both older than PP if my math is correct.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Pritchard is a great example of why you draft the player you think is best in the draft, regardless of "fit" or public opinion.

Danny used 2 picks last year on undersized guards and some people thought it was weird to pick another one in Pritchard.

A lesser GM with a shorter leash might have shied away from that pick, but give Danny credit. If you think you find a rotation player at #26 you go for it, regardless of the fit or what happened last year.
It's not as if they had any reason to think there wouldn't be minutes for Pritchard to earn, with the Walker injury and no reason to think Waters/Edwards would be ready to log serious time.
 

Euclis20

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He should be starting for Waters and when Kemba comes back Waters becomes redundant.
Waters is redundant now, he's only seeing the court because our top 3 point guard options are all out. The real question is, assuming health for everyone, will Pritchard get minutes over Teague in the playoffs?
 

scottyno

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Waters is redundant now, he's only seeing the court because our top 3 point guard options are all out. The real question is, assuming health for everyone, will Pritchard get minutes over Teague in the playoffs?
He's already getting more minutes than Teague, not counting tonight, so I think it's fair to say if he keeps performing at the level he has so far he absolutely gets those minutes.
 

radsoxfan

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Pritchard's PER of 10.8 is roughly 30 points lower than I expected to see.... Hollinger has some explaining to do.

I hope we're not just so excited he isn't Waters or Edwards that he seems great in comparison.
 

FredCDobbs

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If you can consistently beat your man off the dribble and get in the lane in the NBA you are by definition athletic. Then when he gets there he is ready for the pass or finish, playing very fast but in control. I knew he was for real when he finished through Sabonis for the and1.

In the spirit of Steimsma=Russell perhaps he is the new generation Cousy? And yes all this is premature but if you're a basketball head you can see talent really quickly and he is displaying talent nightly. So fun to have a late pick hit like this!

Also this ability to break down the defense is really helpful to unlocking the half-court offense, primarily for the J's.
 

lovegtm

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Apr 30, 2013
11,996
When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill. Really manipulates the ball well, and keeps it on a string.

The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
Nice observation re his feet. Your first step is a lot quicker when it's coming with momentum.

Pritchard's PER of 10.8 is roughly 30 points lower than I expected to see.... Hollinger has some explaining to do.

I hope we're not just so excited he isn't Waters or Edwards that he seems great in comparison.
People still look at PER? It's a garbage stat, and Hollinger is an extremely weak thinker in general; he's much better at dishing catty gossip. Pritchard is legit good, you don't have to worry about the color of your lenses.

Can’t wait until lovegtm watches this one and quotes those “Dean on draft” tweets again.
Reminder that we are 8 games into the season.
View: https://twitter.com/deanondraft/status/1329268358831874049
 

Imbricus

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Jan 26, 2017
4,809
I said it during the game thread, and I really believe it: the guy will turn into a starter. I know we talk about a four-year, late first-round guy with so-so athleticism as having a "good rotation player" ceiling, but Pritchard can run an offense and break down defenses and distribute. And, at some point, if Brad doesn't want to start him, the Jays will tell Brad to start him, because it's clear that Pritchard is helping to make them better. I know last night is just one game, and the kid will have some bad ones (second game of the Detroit series was kind of meh), but the point guard skills are what's exciting to me.