Many people believe the Boston Celtics will have a rough path to a championship in 2025-26, but Payton Pritchard hasn’t given up hope.
Speaking to Chris Forsberg, via Daniel Donabdeian, Pritchard talked about his team’s plans for the season ahead.
He knows some people have counted them out, but he’s not one of them.
“We’re definitely trying to be a playoff team. We’re trying to win the championship. It’s not even about the playoffs. We have one standard in Boston and it’s to win the championship,” Pritchard said.
Payton Pritchard sat down with @ChrisForsberg_ and delivered a message to Celtics fans:
“We’re definitely trying to be a playoff team. We’re trying to win the championship. It’s not even about the playoffs. We have one standard in Boston and it’s to win the championship.” pic.twitter.com/c12WlrqUQ1
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) August 4, 2025
The Celtics have already parted ways with a few of their biggest stars, such as Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
Of course, they will also be without Jayson Tatum next season as he recovers from his injury.
Understandably, most people feel that their championship window has closed, at least for now.
But Pritchard says that his team is still laser-focused on going all the way to the playoffs.
He believes that they can do that, even with such massive changes in the lineup.
It’s good to have standards, and the Celtics should hold themselves in high regard.
They have to believe in what they are capable of, but the odds are still against them.
Losing Tatum would have been enough, but the other roster adjustments make things even worse in Boston.
The good news is that even if next season is difficult, they could turn things around once Tatum is back and the lineup becomes more stable.
The Celtics might be champions again, even if 2025-26 is a rocky road.
NEXT: Jayson Tatum Could Make Early Return Next Season