Improved Skills and Big Impact: Could Payton Pritchard Be This Season’s Sixth Man of the Year?

Payton Pritchard’s performance early this season has been nothing short of phenomenal, leaving fans and analysts alike to wonder if he might be a serious contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Across his last three games, he’s drained 18 three-pointers, proving his offensive consistency and value to the Boston Celtics, even with a roster already stacked with star talent. Pritchard's contributions as a reliable shooter and spark off the bench have propelled the Celtics to a 4-0 start, setting them atop the league alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Boston’s most recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks, a 119-108 victory, showcased Pritchard’s importance to the team. With Jayson Tatum struggling with his shot—going just 6 for 16 from the field and hitting only one of eight three-pointers—Pritchard stepped in, delivering exactly the spark Boston needed. Playing 28 minutes off the bench, he shot an impressive 10 for 14 from the field, including a stunning 8 for 12 from beyond the arc, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His contributions in both scoring and energy kept Boston in control even as the Bucks attempted to mount a comeback. For his efforts, the Celtics recognized Pritchard as the game’s MVP, a nod to his game-changing influence.

Pritchard’s evolution as a scorer didn’t just materialize overnight. Despite a rough season opener against the New York Knicks, where he managed only three points on 10 shot attempts, he quickly found his rhythm. In his next two games, he shot 10 of 17 from deep, scoring 15 points against the Washington Wizards and 19 against the Detroit Pistons. His sharpshooting from beyond the arc has pushed his season averages to 16.3 points, three rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with shooting splits that show both volume and efficiency—a 48.8% shooting percentage overall and an impressive 50% from three-point range.

During the preseason, Pritchard’s performances were just as promising. Across five games, he averaged 16 points, 3.4 rebounds, and six assists while shooting 48.2% from the field and 48.8% from three. He displayed a high level of confidence, launching 43 attempts from three-point range and converting 21 of them. This willingness to shoot, and shoot effectively, has now carried over into the regular season, where he’s showing the consistency required to be a major offensive threat.

This surge from Pritchard is also the continuation of a strong finish to last season, where he delivered a couple of breakout performances once Boston’s playoff positioning was secure. With the Celtics resting their starters, Pritchard took on a primary role in their final games, putting up 31 points against the Charlotte Hornets and following it with a 38-point performance against the Washington Wizards. This gave the Celtics a taste of what Pritchard could offer if given an expanded role.

As a player, Pritchard combines confidence and skill with an impressive work ethic. His shooting abilities have made him a true scoring asset—he can shoot effectively from nearly anywhere on the court, from corner threes to deep-range pull-ups. Although he’s not known for his defensive capabilities, given his physical limitations compared to many of the league’s guards, his effort and impact on the offensive end more than compensate.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Pritchard’s contributions following the win over the Bucks, noting how he helped the team stay within reach even when Tatum and Brown struggled early. Mazzulla emphasized Pritchard’s knack for finding ways to influence the game, whether through shooting, passing, or his energy on the court.

Teammate Jrue Holiday also commended Pritchard's ability to capitalize on opportunities: “You give Pritchard a chance, and he’s going to make it count. He can score in multiple ways, whether it’s from deep or by driving to the rim.” Jaylen Brown, who led the Celtics with 30 points in the Bucks game, added, “Pritchard’s a killer. If you don’t guard him, he’ll make you pay. His game brings the exact pressure we need on offense.”

Pritchard’s early-season impact isn’t just a pleasant surprise; it’s also validation for Boston’s decision to re-sign him to a four-year, $30 million contract, a deal now looking like a bargain. Pritchard's versatility as a shooter who can play both on and off the ball offers the Celtics a new dimension in their quest for a title.

Even before this season, Pritchard’s potential as a dynamic scorer was hinted at during the playoffs. In last year’s NBA Finals, he provided clutch shooting, nailing deep threes at critical junctures in Games 2 and 5. Now, with his early-season production and consistency, the conversation has shifted from whether Pritchard can contribute to whether he’s a legitimate candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.

While Boston has long leaned on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as their primary scorers, Pritchard’s emergence could be the factor that pushes this team to the next level. His shooting creates spacing and forces defenses to account for another threat, making it harder for opposing teams to double-team the Celtics’ stars. And with Pritchard’s performances over the past three games, he’s proving that he can handle increased pressure and deliver when his team needs it most.

With the Celtics off to a 4-0 start and looking every bit like a championship contender, Payton Pritchard is making a strong case for himself as one of the league’s most impactful bench players. If he continues to build on this momentum, don’t be surprised if he finds himself as a frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award by season’s end. His contract may be one of the best value deals in the league, and with each game, Pritchard is proving his worth. Boston fans and coaches alike are taking notice, and it’s clear that he’s an integral part of the team’s success.