Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has received the 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. The honor recognizes the player performing best as a substitute off the bench during the season.
Pritchard, in his fifth NBA season, averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He appeared in 80 games, playing off the bench in 77 of them.
He finished the season leading the league in points scored off the bench with 1,079. Pritchard also ranked fifth among qualified bench players in three-point shooting percentage, converting 40.7% of his attempts from behind the arc.
His 246 three-pointers made off the bench set an NBA single-season record. He also ranked fifth among all players in total three-pointers made with 255.
Beyond scoring, Pritchard held a true shooting percentage of 63.3%, exceeding the league average for point guards. He led the league in overall plus/minus from the bench with a plus-428, reflecting his positive impact on the team's scoring difference while on the court.
Pritchard was originally drafted 26th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA draft out of Oregon. He signed a contract extension in 2023.
His role evolved over his early seasons, navigating different coaching approaches under Ime Udoka and Joe Mazzulla. This season marked career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage.
The Sixth Man of the Year award has been presented since the 1982-83 season. Previous Celtics winners include Kevin McHale (twice) and Bill Walton. Pritchard is the fourth player in Celtics history to earn the honor.
Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley was also recognized by the league, receiving the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2024-25 season.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens commented on Pritchard's recognition.
"Payton is a baller — and his teammates know what they are getting every single day in terms of effort, care, and commitment," Stevens said. "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.”
