Watch: Payton Pritchard pus the moves on Klay Thompson, but airballs the shot at Zeke-End tournament
Payton Pritchard and Klay Thompson are among a slew of NBA players working on their games in pro-am summer league games. The two have vastly different offseasons but instead of taking a break from basketball, they chose to workout, and were united by the passion to continue improving.
Pritchard and Thompson showed up at the “Zeke-End” Basketball Tournament hosted by former NBA player Isaiah Thomas. Boston Celtics backup guard Pritchard played for Team NFL, while Thompson, the Dallas Mavericks shooter suited up for Team Slow Grind. With the championship at stake, the two tried to help their respective squads to victory.
In one sequence, Thompson guarded Pritchard in the corner. The quick-handed Celtics guard shook off Thompson’s defense with ease but could not cap off the play with a bucket.
Following two major injuries, Thompson’s effectiveness at defense has decreased. When he struggled to put up points last season, Warriors coach Steve Kerr benched him for rookie Brandin Podziemski. “Game 6 Klay” will be under even more scrutiny when he plays with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, a much-maligned defensive pairing.
Meanwhile, Boston expects more from Payton Pritchard next season. In 2023, the Celtics gave Pritchard a four-year, $30 million deal.
Paolo Banchero and Klay Thompson went up against Payton Pritchard at the “Zeke-End” Basketball Tournament
The best player on Sunday in the championship game at the “Zeke-End” Basketball Tournament wasn’t Klay Thompson or Payton Pritchard. It was Orlando Magic superstar Paolo Banchero who demonstrated why he's a player to watch in the NBA. Banchero and Thompson were on the same team.
Host Isaiah Thomas and Malachi Flynn were also on the stacked Slow Grind team, making them unsurprising winners of the tournament. Banchero had an impressive night in the title showdown. Thompson and Pritchard had their moments but fans raved about the Banchero's impressive performance.
Fans were treated to an elite basketball show from Thompson, Flynn, Banchero, and Pritchard in the championship game.