Payton Pritchard and his Celtics teammates discuss the now reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year and his importance to this year’s team.
Payton Pritchard took his game to another level during the 2024-25 NBA season. On Tuesday, the Boston Celtics guard was recognized for his efforts.
Pritchard beat out Detroit Pistons sharpshooter Malik Beasley and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
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WATCH HEREBased on the voting results, Pritchard won the award rather easily.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 22, 2025
The complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/h9lOygxZ4j
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SIGN UP It was a historic campaign for Pritchard, who surpassed Wayne Ellington for the most 3-pointers off the bench in a single NBA season. He made at least five 3-pointers in 22 games, setting a Celtics record previously held by Jayson Tatum (18).
"Payton is one of the most dedicated players I’ve ever been around,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in a statement. “He truly loves the game and is committed to the work that goes into being great. In addition, he’s driven by winning and doing whatever it takes to help the team.
"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.”
NBA
Pritchard is the fourth player in Celtics franchise history to win the Sixth Man of the Year trophy, joining Kevin McHale (1984-85), Bill Walton (1985-86) and Malcolm Brogdon (2022-23).
Pritchard notched career-bests in every major category with 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the floor (40.7 percent from 3). The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 28.2 minutes per game.
The Celtics held on to Pritchard despite his asking for a trade during the 2022-23 season due to a lack of playing time. They committed to him with a four-year, $30 million contract extension before the 2023-24 campaign, and he has since proven to be worth every penny.
Pritchard had multiple big moments during the C's 2024 championship run, including a wild buzzer-beater from beyond halfcourt in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. He picked up where he left off with a 19-point performance in Boston's Game 1 win Sunday against the Orlando Magic.
Pritchard will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday's Game 2 at TD Garden, which tips off at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.
