Derrick White and Payton Pritchard on The State of the Boston Celtics
Jan 8, 2025
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Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, both NBA champions with the Boston Celtics, join the conversation to share insights from their careers. They dive deep into their college basketball journeys, reminiscing about their Pac-12 experiences and the unique challenges of the NBA draft process. Payton details his unconventional offseason workout routine and his knack for hitting half-court shots, while Derrick discusses team dynamics, playing alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They wrap up with expectations for the season ahead and a lighthearted draft of the best trios.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard reflect on their competitive practices, emphasizing the importance of pushing each other to improve teamwork and skills.
Payton shares his unique offseason workout routine, highlighting how overcoming doubts has shaped his confidence in hitting difficult shots.
Trey Murphy discusses the detachment players feel from MVP awards, arguing that individual accolades shouldn't overshadow true talent and contributions on the court.
Deep dives
Trey Murphy's Aggression on the Court
Trey Murphy has been focusing on being more aggressive during games, a skill he honed over the summer with a mentor. This approach has allowed him to capitalize on the opportunities created by team injuries. He emphasizes using his jump shot as a versatile weapon, making it an integral part of his scoring strategy. Murphy believes that taking advantage of his current opportunities is crucial as he continues to develop his game.
The Significance of Awards in Sports
Trey discusses his perspective on the importance of awards in sports, highlighting that they haven't significantly motivated him due to his past experiences with being underrated. He points out that while some players value accolades like MVPs deeply, he finds himself detached from the hype surrounding such awards. Murphy notes that exceptional performances should be appreciated regardless of whether they lead to individual honors. The conversation points out how external recognition doesn’t always correlate with a player's true talent and contributions.
Derrick Rose's Impact on Chicago
The episode reflects on Derrick Rose's importance to Chicago, noting his historic MVP win at just 22 years old. Both Murphy and his co-hosts believe that even without that award, Rose would still hold immense stature and admiration in the basketball community. They discuss how Rose's humility and approach to the game made him a beloved figure. This conversation spotlights the narrative that personal and community values can outweigh statistical achievements in defining a player's legacy.
The Changing Perception of MVP Awards
The hosts express concern over the current discourse surrounding MVP awards, highlighting that the debate has become overly complicated and often diminishes players' performances. They lament the lack of celebration around award wins, contrasting it with past ceremonies that were much more memorable. By comparing the current climate with previous seasons, it’s noted that excitement around the MVP award has waned. Players like Jokic, who openly express indifference toward such accolades, contribute to the changing narrative around awards.
Injury Prevention and Player Mentality
In the discussion about player injuries and their impact on eligibility for awards like All-NBA teams, Trey emphasizes the conflict between player health and the pressure to perform. He critiques the notion that players should hurry back from injuries to meet arbitrary metrics set for recognition; this potentially undermines their long-term well-being. Murphy reflects on how these decisions can affect both their careers and their teams' dynamics. The insight shared casts light on the mental strain athletes face balancing personal health against professional standards.
The Competitive Spirit in Practice
Both Trey and Derek White share their experiences about what makes their team’s practices competitive and engaging. They highlight the importance of pushing each other to improve, drawing from personal examples of competitive moments within the group. By fostering an environment that encourages relentless competition, the duo believes it enhances their skills and helps them bond. This atmosphere not only strengthens their game but also builds trust and respect among teammates.
We’re back this week for a great episode with a pair of NBA champions — Derrick White and Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics! First, Tommy and Jason talk with Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans about the MVP race and the state of NBA awards. Derrick and Payton open the episode reminiscing on their time in the Pac-12 at Oregon and Colorado, what their respective NBA draft processes were like, and their first few years in the NBA. Payton shares his incredible, one of a kind, offseason workout routine, his process behind hitting so many half court shots, his thoughts on people who doubted him, and much more. Derrick and Payton also discuss the state of the Celtics, what it’s like playing with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday, and players that impress them. They then share what they expect from the rest of the season. The episode closes with Trey returning for a draft of the best trios of all time.
