Payton is hot. His recent performance per minute; scoring, rebounds, and assists is putting him in position to break into the starting line-up. 
 

Pritchard is shooting 42.9% from the field. Will Mazulla recognize and reward him?

I doubt it, he's perfect as an instant offense type of player off the bench, I don't think he has the defensive chops to be a starter or get starter minutes.  I love Peyton but he has his role pretty set, also 42% is not that great, it's ok for a 6'2 guard.  Derrick White is the only player that he would supplant and he's shooting 47% (41% on 3s), and he's 6'4 with the ability to guard 1 ands 2s.  Peyton isn't that.

Edited January 15, 20241 yr by spartan2785

Useful spot-on info. Pritchard’s defense has improved. His rebounds and assists per minute played are often better.

 

It seems that he has found a role, Payton is getting more minutes per game. 
 

You may be right, but his dawg is showing.

I can think of a 6’2” point guard with a max contract that has never played any D his entire career. So it can happen.