Who Will Be Boston's Second Scoring Option Behind Jayson Tatum?

Boston Celtics: Who Steps Up After Jayson Tatum?

Everyone agrees that Jayson Tatum is the undisputed leader for the Celtics, but the question remains: who will be his primary scoring partner this season?

The team is gearing up for the new season starting Tuesday in Detroit, and speculation about the second-leading scorer is already heating up. One strong candidate is Payton Pritchard, who just signed a two-year extension worth $44 million. Whether he comes off the bench or starts alongside Tatum, Pritchard's offensive contribution will be crucial after a career-high average of 17 points per game last season.

Then there’s Derrick White and Paul George, both expected to start on Opening Night according to coach Joe Mazzulla. White struggled with shooting last year but could find a more efficient role with better support around him. George, after limited playtime over two seasons with the 76ers, looks ready for a resurgence in Boston. His career average of 20.5 points per game would be a big boost in his 17th NBA season.

Still, the real answer might be that no single player consistently takes the second spot in scoring. Any of these guys could drop 30-plus points on any night, with others moving up and down the scoring ranks unpredictably. The first two preseason games hinted at a balanced approach where everyone gets their chances—a style coach Mazzulla seems to favor.

Key Players in the Mix

• Jayson Tatum: Team’s top scorer
• Payton Pritchard: Newly extended, averaged 17 PPG in 2025-26
• Derrick White: Expected starter, aiming for improved efficiency
• Paul George: Veteran looking for a comeback, 20.5 career PPG average

In short, Boston’s offense could come from multiple sources, making it tough to predict who will come in second behind Tatum. Fans can expect a dynamic and democratic scoring setup that keeps defenses guessing.