Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has been named the 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year after a breakout season off the bench.
Pritchard led the league in total bench points with 1,079 across 80 games, averaging a career-best 14.3 points per game. He set a new NBA single-season record for most 3-pointers made off the bench with 246 and recorded the best plus-minus among all reserves at +428.
He also averaged career highs in rebounds (3.8), assists (3.5), and minutes (28.4), while shooting a career-high 47.2% from the field and 40% from deep for the third time in six seasons.
“Payton is one of the most dedicated players I’ve ever been around,” Celtics president Brad Stevens said. “He’s driven by winning and doing whatever it takes to help the team.”
Pritchard had two 30+ point games this season, including a career-high 43 points against Portland on March 5, where he hit 10 three-pointers — becoming just the eighth bench player in NBA history to do so in a game.
He earned 82 out of 100 first-place votes for the award named after Celtics legend John Havlicek. Detroit’s Malik Beasley and Cleveland’s Ty Jerome finished second and third in voting.
“Payton is a baller — his teammates know exactly what they’re getting every day in terms of effort, care, and commitment,” Stevens added.
Pritchard continues to shine in the playoffs, scoring 19 points and hitting 4-of-6 threes in Game 1 of Boston’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic. Game 2 is set for Wednesday in Boston.
