Payton Pritchard has made a significant impact coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics this season. He distinguished himself as the only player in the NBA to score more than 1,000 points in games where he wasn’t in the starting lineup. Additionally, Pritchard broke the league record for the most three-pointers made by a backup player, earning him the coveted title of the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.
In a fierce competition, Pritchard surpassed Detroit’s Malik Beasley and Cleveland’s Ty Jerome to clinch the award. This recognition marks the fifth instance a Celtics player has been honored—Kevin McHale won in 1984 and 1985, Bill Walton in 1986, and most recently, Malcolm Brogdon in 2023.
Expressing his gratitude during the announcement on TNT, Pritchard described the honor as a significant achievement in his career. Fittingly, the award bears the name of another Celtics legend, John Havlicek.
“Payton’s a tremendous player, and his teammates consistently notice his effort, care, and dedication,” stated Celtics President Brad Stevens in a press release. “Being awarded with the title named after the great John Havlicek is a testament to his contributions to our team.”
As the first acknowledgment in this year’s NBA awards season, more announcements are forthcoming, including the clutch player of the year and the defensive player of the year awards. The winners will be selected by a global panel of 100 league writers and broadcasters.
Pritchard led all reserve players in scoring with 1,079 points in non-starting games, made 246 three-pointers, and had a plus-minus of +428. His performance ranked him third in assists among nonstarters, following Indiana’s T.J. McConnell and Portland’s Scoot Henderson.
Pritchard’s role is pivotal in supporting Boston’s key players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. “It’s been a transition from college, where I was the focal point. Here, I’m surrounded by stars, so I have to read the game,” Pritchard explained. “I’m learning when defenses focus more on J.T. and J.B., allowing me to exploit openings.”
He is a beloved figure among Celtics fans, known for his energy and fearlessness in taking deep three-point shots, even at times when such attempts might affect his statistics. Notably, on March 5, he delivered an extraordinary performance with 43 points, 10 rebounds, and ten made three-pointers—all achieved from the bench.
Boston saw success this season, finishing with a 61-21 record, largely aided by Pritchard’s contributions. The team was 17-6 when he scored 20 or more points off the bench and 36-12 when he scored at least 10 points.
“Payton’s a true competitor,” stated Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. “Besides scoring, what sets him apart is his defensive hustle—he’s relentless in applying full-court pressure.”
Pritchard received overwhelming support, securing 82 out of 100 first-place votes. Beasley earned 13 first-place votes for second place, followed by Jerome, with two first-place votes for third, and Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter, also with two first-place votes, coming in fourth.
Minnesota’s Naz Reid, last year’s recipient, obtained one first-place vote for fifth position. His teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker ranked sixth, Denver’s Russell Westbrook seventh, and Oklahoma City’s Alex Caruso eighth.