With an average of 16.5 points (48.5% on shots including 43.5% on 3-pointers), Payton Pritchard explodes the counters this season. On track to have his best year of his career, the Celtics replacement is the favorite for the trophy for best 6th man of the year.
But the person concerned, beyond his qualities as a shooter, would also like another aspect of his game to be highlighted: his defense.
« I really want to be known as an impact player on both ends of the floor. People sometimes like… I hear things about me being a liability on defense, it annoys me. Every game I try to prove that’s not the case », defends the 1m85 player.
He adds: “ I will always try to be a complete player on both ends of the court. If I can be recognized as an elite player on the ball and an elite player in attack: that’s one of my big goals. »
Bet on the opponent’s attrition
The playmaker, who intercepts one ball per game (also a career record), has already demonstrated his defensive qualities when it comes to holding an opposing penetration. His speed of movement allows him to have an impact, although he cannot contest shots much due to his deficit of centimeters.
« It’s just about making things difficult. Guys in this league are going to hit tough shots. I can play great defense, and they can still score. I can also land a complicated shot with someone right in front of me », judges Payton Pritchard who then displays another strategy.
« It’s the fact of being there constantly, action after action, and at the end of the match, their legs (opponents) are a little worn, causing them to fail. This is how we do our work. It’s causing deflections, making interceptions. I hope I eventually get better at calling offensive fouls. I’m not the best at this “, he admits.
Believing to have “ much progress in the use » with his hands, he still thinks he can evolve in this sector, at the heart of one of the best defenses in the country, which above all does not want a weak point
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
