Inside The Celtics

Celtics Guard Payton Pritchard Uncorks Shocking Declaration

Bobby Krivitsky

Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) reacts after making a half-court shot at the buzzer to end the second quarter in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) reacts after making a half-court shot at the buzzer to end the second quarter in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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The Celtics are in Abu Dhabi preparing for a two-tilt mini-series against the Nuggets at Etihad Arena on Oct. 4 and 6. That represents the unofficial start of the NBA's 2024-25 campaign.

While overseas, the league's reigning champions have continued finding fun, unconventional methods to let loose amid a training camp placing a premium on conditioning, mental toughness, and fundamentals.

Activities like a speed walk baton pass, wiffleball, walking football, and handball bring levities to practice and help create the work environment and team chemistry the Celtics work diligently to preserve and enhance.

There's an internal belief that the team will benefit from these methods.

These methods also foster competition. However, even for professional athletes, some of the most competitive and confident individuals on the planet, one might not have expected Payton Pritchard to size up how he and his teammates have fared in some of these events and conclude the following.

"I'm probably the best overall athlete, across all sports, on the team," said Pritchard. When asked who "would be the guy" if the Celtics held a team decathlon, the former Oregon Duck quickly responded, "I would 100 percent be the guy. JB (Jaylen Brown) might think he might be."

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Hopes Launching 741 Inspires Athletes & Creators: 'Dedicated to That'

Jrue Holiday Sends Powerful Message as Lonnie Walker Fights for Roster Spot

Bulked Up Baylor Scheierman Learning from Celtics' Sharpshooter & Impressing Mazzulla

Jayson Tatum Shares a Part of Legacy He's Trying to Leave Behind

Lonnie Walker IV Shares Brad Stevens' Message & Outlook on Exhibit 10 Deal

Derrick White Voices His Loyalty to Boston After Signing Extension

Brad Stevens Gives Honest Thoughts on Celtics’ Sale & Luxury Tax Penalties

Jayson Tatum Discusses Balancing MVP and Title Chase and His Excitement to Start Over

Jayson Tatum Discusses Becoming an Author, Tatum 3s, 2K Cover, and More

Byproduct of New CBA Threatens Jordan Walsh's Roster Spot with Celtics

Published
Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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