Do you remember Payton Pritchard in the 2022-23 season? You are forgiven if you don't. The undersized combo guard only saw action in 48 games and averaged a mere 13.4 minutes/game.
That has all changed this season. In the last four games, the 28th pick (first round) in the 2020 draft is averaging:
30.5 MPG - 24.5 PPG - 5.3 RPG - 3.0 APG - 1.3 SPG - +11.5 plus/minus
And how about his shooting accuracy in those four games! He nailed 55% from the field, 49% on threes and 90% from the foul line. Pritchard is currently leading all bench players in most ratings for 2025 Sixth-Man-of-the-Year - and frankly - he is already in the conversation for NBA-Most-Improved. And Payton-as-All-Star talk might begin if he keeps up these performances.
I have previously compared Payton to 6'1" former-Laker guard, Gail Goodrich, who garnered five All-Star appearances when he was finally given ample floor time. Also, on two occasions, I wrote about Pritchard's lack of minutes and broached my "play him or trade him" plea.
Payton may never accomplish what Goodrich did in the 60's and 70's, but don't totally rule out that possibility. The Oregon product just needed more time on the floor to show what he can do. I love this kid.
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