Best Sixth Man? Just How Good Is Payton Pritchard, Who Earns $6.7 Million a Year?

Payton Pritchard has quietly emerged as one of the most reliable and impactful players on the Boston Celtics roster, and his performance this season has made a compelling case for him to be named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year. Pritchard’s journey from a fringe bench player to a legitimate contributor on one of the league’s top teams has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite only being in his fourth season, he has already demonstrated that he can not only fill in when needed but also be a central figure in the Celtics’ success. And to think, his contract is a bargain at just $6.7 million per year.

This past regular season, Pritchard’s role with the Celtics has transformed dramatically. In contrast to the previous seasons, where he played limited minutes off the bench, he’s now averaging 28.4 minutes per game, contributing 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His scoring output has seen a meteoric rise. In fact, this season alone, Pritchard has scored 20 or more points in 24 games, a drastic increase from the 18 games he recorded 20+ points in his first three seasons combined.

Let’s rewind a bit. Pritchard’s breakout moments aren’t limited to one season or one game. During the final games of the previous seasons, he seemed to consistently step up and provide remarkable performances, especially when the Celtics rested their star players. In the 2022-2023 season, in a game against the Washington Wizards, Pritchard went off for 38 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists, just narrowly missing a 40-point triple-double. And it wasn't an anomaly. The year before, in the 2021-2022 season, in another season finale, he dropped a 30-point triple-double against the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing his scoring and playmaking ability on the biggest stages. He has continued to prove that when the spotlight shines brightest, he’s ready to rise to the occasion.

What makes his journey even more fascinating is that just two seasons ago, Pritchard was mainly a role player, playing only 13.4 minutes per game in the 2022-2023 season. But his ability to seize every opportunity has propelled him to a larger role in 2023-2024. He became a key rotational player, and this year, he’s proven himself as one of the most reliable options on the Celtics roster. The drastic change in his role is a testament to his work ethic and basketball IQ.

Not only has Pritchard's scoring surged, but his shooting efficiency has been nothing short of remarkable. This season, he has maintained shooting splits of 47.2% from the field, 40.7% from three, and 84.5% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage of 63.3% speaks volumes about his efficiency, especially considering his high-volume role. His three-point shooting has been one of his most valuable weapons—he’s knocking down 3.2 three-pointers per game at a clip of over 40%. To put that into perspective, Pritchard has now set the Boston Celtics' franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season off the bench, with 255. His perimeter shooting has been a key aspect of the Celtics’ offensive strategy this year, providing the team with the floor spacing it needs to thrive.

And while Pritchard’s offensive game has blossomed, his impact goes beyond the numbers. Despite his size and the physical limitations that come with it, Pritchard has developed into a smart defender who can hold his own in key moments. While he may not be a lock-down defender in the traditional sense, his agility, tenacity, and awareness allow him to make plays when needed. Though the defensive side of the ball might not be his calling card, he more than compensates for it with his leadership and ability to produce in critical stretches of the game.

One of the most significant aspects of Pritchard's development has been his impact when he's on the floor. According to advanced stats, when Pritchard plays, the Celtics have a point differential of +9.5 per 100 possessions, with a whopping 118.4 offensive rating per 100 possessions. These numbers highlight just how integral Pritchard has become to the team’s offensive output, especially given that Boston has had to navigate injuries and inconsistencies with key players this season. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown occasionally dealing with various issues, Pritchard has stepped in as a reliable secondary scorer and playmaker.

His impact on the Celtics' overall performance has been crucial in a season that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Boston has not been as dominant this season as they were in 2022, with players like Brown struggling with efficiency and the team facing injuries to players like Kristaps Porzingis and Malcolm Brogdon. In those moments, Pritchard has answered the call, providing much-needed scoring and stability for the team.

This season, Payton Pritchard has solidified himself as one of the top contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award. His competition includes players like Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons and Isaac Okoro of the Cleveland Cavaliers, both of whom have had solid seasons in their own right. However, Pritchard has a significant edge due to both his individual performance and the Celtics’ overall success. Given the Celtics’ position near the top of the Eastern Conference and Pritchard's incredible contributions as a reserve, it’s hard to argue against him being one of the frontrunners for this award.

When it comes to his contract, the Celtics are absolutely reaping the rewards of their decision to sign Pritchard to a four-year, $30 million deal. For a player of his caliber, that’s a bargain by today's standards, especially when considering the market for NBA players at his position. Pritchard's current salary of just $6.7 million is a steal, particularly for a team like the Celtics, who are contending for championships and dealing with the salary cap constraints that come with their star players’ hefty contracts. General Manager Brad Stevens deserves credit for locking in Pritchard at such a cost-effective deal, allowing the team to maintain its flexibility while also getting significant production from one of their more unsung players.

At just 26 years old, Pritchard’s trajectory is extremely promising. His work ethic, combined with his ability to adjust his game as the Celtics need him to, shows that he has the potential to grow even further in the coming seasons. With his efficiency, shooting, and playmaking abilities, it’s easy to see him becoming an even more integral part of Boston’s championship ambitions for years to come.

In a league full of stars, Pritchard is the perfect example of how important depth and team contributions are to success. He has carved out a significant role for himself on a championship-contending team, proving that sometimes it’s not about being the star of the show, but about filling the gaps when your team needs you most. Whether or not he ultimately wins Sixth Man of the Year, Payton Pritchard’s value to the Boston Celtics is undeniable.