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Yes, it is only a week into the NBA season. But, Payton Pritchard is looking like he could be a sleeper for the early season rookie of the year projections.

The Boston Celtics selected Payton Pritchard with the 26th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Shocking the entire NBA and its fans by taking him this early. Everyone had Pritchard going in the second round.

Pritchard is a four-year guard to come out of the University of Oregon. One of the most successful programs in the nation.

With Kemba Walker out until February, Pritchard is making the most of the minutes. He’s starting to prove he could be a vital piece for the Celtics off the bench, or in the starting rotation.

Pritchard has come up big multiple times for the Celtics, in their first four games of the season.

He has averaged 7.7 points per game through the first four. Which isn’t great but he’s been consistent and he’s showing confidence. His teammates and even head coach Brad Stevens has been impressed.

Could Payton Pritchard become a starter?

It might take a little longer for this because they do have Kemba Walker locked as their starting PG until 2023 unless they decide to trade him and get a little younger. But, I would not expect long for Pritchard to force Boston’s hand on that.

He was a four-year starter at the University of Oregon, helping them get as far as the Final Four back in 2016. And had led them to the NCAA March Madness tournament every year after that.

So, the short answer is yes. He could become a starter, but he’d have to force the cards.

Is Pritchard deserving of wearing the number 11 after Kyrie?