Pritchard returns to Moda Center
Oregon native faces Blazers
Many is the kid who attend an NBA or WNBA game in their hometown, point to the floor, and say that someday they’ll play on that hardwood.
When Payton Pritchard ran onto the floor of the Moda Center Tuesday night in Portland, he actually lived up to that selfprophecy.
“It’s really special. I just remember when I was a little kid I used to watch Blazers games with my parents,” said the Celtics rookie.
“I remember telling them, I’ll be playing here one day. To finally be at this moment is unbelievable. Hopefully my success in this gym continues.”
Which is to say Pritchard knows the Moda Center better than just about anyone who isn’t a Blazer. As one of the most decorated players in Oregon high school history, Pritchard played in the arena known as the Rose Garden often, with the relationship continuing through his four years at the University of Oregon.
“I played here definitely over 50 times through high school and college,” he said. “Played here a lot.
“Definitely been able to see some family and friends. With the fans not able to be here, it won’t (be the same) because I can’t see family and friends at the game in my hometown. I think the first time I play here in front of fans and all that, that’s when I’ll be like wow, this is crazy first time here.”
And last night Pritchard got to square up against one of his idols, Blazers star Damien Lillard.
“Dame’s been playing in Portland since the beginning of my high school career or right before it,” he said. “Growing up watching Dame and being around him, he was somebody to look up to. What a great role model on the court and off the court. Someone you hope you can follow in his footsteps. Honestly he’s just a person I look up to.”
Pac-12 proud
Both the Oregon men and women’s basketball teams played in the NCAA tournament this season.
Paired with the Pac-12’s overall success this season, Pritchard is doubly proud.
“It’s awesome. The Pac-12 did well this year for both men’s and women’s, but to see the Ducks successful, I want nothing more and I’m happy for them,” he said. “Those are my brothers. Just happy for their success.”
Not playing about play-in
Dallas star Luka Doncic and owner Mark Cuban have both spoken out against the NBA’s play-in tournament, and the potential of it putting players at unnecessary risk in this season’s compacted schedule. Brad Stevens will simply roll with the rules and hope his team doesn’t get stuck in that preliminary round.
“It is what it is — that’s the way they’re gonna determine playoffs, and 7 through 10 are going to play for those last two spots, I don’t really have a reaction to it, other than that’s the way they decided to do it,” said the Celtics coach. “I understand the entertainment value that comes with the play-in games.
“That said, we will not prioritize our seed over our players’ health, that’s for sure,” he said. “If there’s somebody that needs to sit, Jayson (Tatum) and Jaylen (Brown) or whoever. I think we’ve been pretty consistent with Kemba (Walker) this year as well. We’ll land where we land, and hopefully we get a chance to keep playing and move on.”