In a historic season for the Boston Celtics, guard Payton Pritchard has been awarded the 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, marking a significant achievement in his career. Pritchard's performance off the bench has been nothing short of spectacular, as he not only scored more points than any other reserve player in the league but also shattered the record for three-pointers made by a bench player in a single season.
The 27-year-old Pritchard, who was selected 26th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft from Oregon, averaged career highs of 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during the regular season. He played in 80 games, starting only three, and managed to shoot an impressive 47.2% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Celtics achieve a remarkable 61-21 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Pritchard's 1,079 points scored off the bench were the most in the NBA this season, and he set a league record with 246 three-pointers made as a reserve. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 218 three-pointers held by Wayne Ellington since 2018. Pritchard's ability to hit deep shots, especially at crucial moments, has made him a fan favorite in Boston.
During the announcement of the award on April 22, 2025, Pritchard expressed his gratitude, stating, "I mean, there are a lot of people in the Celtics’ organization, obviously (starting with) John Havlicek, who the award was named after. Kevin McHale, obviously, a couple other guys — Malcolm Brogdon, I was here with him and watched him win it... Bill Walton, so it’s definitely an honor.”
Brad Stevens, the Celtics President, praised Pritchard's dedication and impact on the team, saying, "Payton is a baller — and his teammates know what they are getting every single day in terms of effort, care, and commitment. For him to be honored with the award named after the great John Havlicek is a credit to all that he brings to the table for our team."
Pritchard's season was highlighted by several standout performances, including a career-high 43 points in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 5, where he also recorded 10 rebounds and made a Boston-record 10 three-pointers. This remarkable game showcased his ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his role as a key player for the Celtics.
As the Celtics gear up for the playoffs, Pritchard's contributions will be vital. In the first game of the playoffs against the Orlando Magic, he scored 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, helping the Celtics secure a win. With the postseason underway, Pritchard's ability to deliver in clutch situations will be crucial for Boston's championship aspirations.
Throughout the regular season, Pritchard's statistics reflected his growth as a player. He ranked fifth in the NBA in three-pointers made, with a total of 255, and his plus-minus rating of +428 led all reserves. Boston was 17-6 when he scored at least 20 points off the bench and 36-12 when he contributed at least 10 points, showcasing his impact on the team's success.
The Sixth Man of the Year award is a testament to Pritchard's hard work and perseverance, especially considering the challenges he faced earlier in his career, including a request for a trade during the 2022-23 season due to limited playing time. The Celtics showed their faith in him by signing him to a four-year, $30 million contract extension before the 2023-24 season, and he has certainly lived up to that commitment.
Pritchard's journey has been remarkable, and his recognition as the Sixth Man of the Year places him among Celtics legends like Kevin McHale, Bill Walton, and Malcolm Brogdon. As he continues to develop his game, fans are eager to see what the future holds for this talented guard.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will rely on Pritchard's scoring ability and leadership as they pursue their goal of winning an NBA-record 19th championship title. With the playoffs in full swing, every game presents an opportunity for Pritchard to showcase why he was deserving of this prestigious award.
As the NBA continues to unveil its postseason awards, the focus will shift to the next accolades, including the Clutch Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, with the league's awards ceremony highlighting the best of the best in the sport. For now, Payton Pritchard stands tall as a shining example of excellence in the NBA, and his journey is just beginning.
