After Signing Contract Extension, Celtics' Payton Pritchard Shows Off Playmaking Skills

After Signing Contract Extension, Celtics' Payton Pritchard Shows Off Playmaking Skills originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Payton Pritchard is giving the Boston Celtics another reason to feel good about their investment in the veteran guard.The guard showed off his playmaking skills Wednesday, dishing out 11 assists without committing a turnover in Boston's 114-93 preseason win over the Charlotte Hornets.Pritchard struggled to find his shot, finishing with seven points on 3-of-13 shooting. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates, however, stood out as the Celtics improved to 3-0 in the preseason.The performance came shortly after Pritchard agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension, further cementing his place in Boston's plans.Pritchard is coming off the best season of his NBA career. He averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 2025-26, establishing himself as more than a scoring option off the bench.The Celtics guard has already proven he can provide a scoring spark. Now, he's looking to become a more consistent facilitator, with a goal of averaging four assists per game this season.That added responsibility could be especially important for Boston as it looks to get the most out of its backcourt. Pritchard's ability to score and set up teammates gives head coach Joe Mazzulla another option to work with offensively.Pritchard's latest preseason performance offered an encouraging sign. Even when his shot wasn't falling, he found other ways to impact the game, something the Celtics will want to see continue when the regular season begins.More CelticsLatest Celtics newsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Celtics championships