The NBA announced on Tuesday night that Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard won the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season. In a competitive race against Malik Beasley of the Pistons and Ty Jerome of the Cavaliers, Pritchard received 454 voting points and 82 of the 100 first-place votes.
Beasley made a very compelling case for sixth man, dropping 319 three-pointers. That tally was second only to Anthony Edwards, who made320. Beasley started in 18 games this season, which skews his numbers slightly. With similar efficiency numbers, and the Celtics being a two seed versus the Pistons being a six seed, the voters gave Pritchard the nod over Beasley
In his fifth NBA season, Pritchard had a breakout season, sporting career highs in almost every major statistical category. His 14.3 points per game and 47.2% field goal percentage, including 40.7% from three-point range, stand out in his stats for 80 games this year. Pritchard knocked down 255 three-pointers this year, setting a record for the most three-pointers made off the bench in NBA history. Playing in only 28 minutes per game, Pritchard made an instant impact every time he touched the floor.
The Oregon grad has been a beacon of consistency in Boston the past two seasons. Pritchard inked a four-year extension in 2023 and was the subject of trade rumors for years. This extension was the nail in the coffin for Pritchard in Boston, as it allowed them to shop around the young guard. Instead, it was just the opposite. Pritchard was thrust into action under the first full year of head coach Joe Mazzulla, playing in all 82 games in the 2023-2024 season.
He responded by scoring almost 10 points a game and proved to be a valuable piece in the Celtics championship run. The former first round pick knocked down several iconic buzzer beaters, including his half courter in the championship-clinching Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Pritchard will be instrumental if the Celtics want to repeat as champs. In Game 1 of the playoffs against the Magic, Pritchard scored 19 points on 75% shooting while also dishing out three assists. Given Jayson Tatum’s recent injury and Jaylen Brown’s lingering injuries, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis could cause an increase in the necessity of Pritchard’s scoring.
The 27-year-old is a massive part of the Celtics’ future. He has become a fan favorite in Boston, checking in to thunderous applause every game. With Holiday and Al Horford soon to retire, and some key role players contracts expiring, Pritchard will be a mainstay in the Celtics rotation for years to come. His ability to score will always be a necessity for a championship level team.
Pritchard joins a storied list of Celtics who have won the award. Kevin Mchale won back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year awards in the 1980s. Bill Walton won the award in 1985-1986, averaging seven points and seven rebounds for one of the greatest teams in Celtics history. Malcolm Brogdon won the award in 2023 during his lone season in Boston. Brogdon averaged almost 15 points per game on incredibly efficient shooting for the two seed Celtics.
Pritchard will be honored with the award during the playoffs at TD Garden.