Payton Pritchard: 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year

A Breakout Season  

Payton Pritchard, the Boston Celtics’ sharpshooting guard, was named the 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, a testament to his electrifying impact off the bench. The 27-year-old Oregon native transformed from a rotation player into a cornerstone of Boston’s title-contending roster, delivering clutch performances and setting historic benchmarks in his fifth NBA season.

Season Stats and Impact  

Pritchard averaged career highs of 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 80 games, with just three starts. He shot 47.2% from the field, 40.7% from three, and 84.5% from the free-throw line, playing 28.4 minutes per game. Off the bench in 77 games, he led the NBA with 1,079 points and 246 three-pointers, while ranking third among reserves with 257 assists and posting a league-best plus-minus of +428. His 255 total three-pointers ranked fifth league-wide, trailing teammate Derrick White by just 10 despite playing 300 fewer minutes.

Record-Breaking Feats  

Pritchard shattered the NBA record for most three-pointers made off the bench in a season, hitting 246 to surpass Wayne Ellington’s 218 from 2018. He also set a Celtics record for most games with five or more three-pointers (22), eclipsing Jayson Tatum’s mark of 18. On March 5, 2025, Pritchard and White became the first teammates in NBA history to each make nine or more threes in a game, with Pritchard dropping a career-high 43 points against Portland.

Voting Results:

A Landslide Victory  

Pritchard dominated the Sixth Man voting, earning 454 points, including 82 of 100 first-place votes from a global media panel. Detroit’s Malik Beasley took second with 279 points and 13 first-place votes, while Cleveland’s Ty Jerome finished third with 91 points and two first-place votes. Pritchard was the only player on every ballot, underscoring his runaway win.

Legacy in Celtics History  

As the fourth Celtic to win the award—joining Kevin McHale (1984, 1985), Bill Walton (1986), and Malcolm Brogdon (2023)—Pritchard’s name now sits alongside franchise legends. His journey from trade request in 2022-23 to fan favorite and key cog in Boston’s 61-21 season reflects his relentless drive.

Looking Ahead  

With a four-year, $30 million extension in hand, Pritchard’s focus remains on growth and another championship. “This is just the start,” he said, eyeing bigger goals beyond the John Havlicek Trophy.