Jayson Tatum Names Payton Pritchard as Sixth Man of the Year Favorite

Jayson Tatum Backs Payton Pritchard for Sixth Man of the Year: A Rising Star in the Boston Celtics‘ Roster

The 2024-25 NBA season has barely begun, but Jayson Tatum is already making headlines with his bold prediction for the Sixth Man of the Year award. The Boston Celtics forward isn’t shy about showcasing his confidence in a teammate—Payton Pritchard, who has quickly become a standout player in the Celtics‘ quest for dominance this season.

A Strong Start for the Boston Celtics

Building on last season’s momentum, the Boston Celtics have hit the ground running. A prime example of their early success came with their thrilling 138-129 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday at the United Center. Jayson Tatum, who led the charge with 35 points, took the opportunity to spotlight Payton Pritchard’s stellar performance.

Pritchard, coming off the bench, made an impressive impact, racking up 29 points, seven rebounds, and one assist in just 29 minutes. His contributions were pivotal, and Tatum didn’t hold back his admiration.

Tatum‘s High Praise for Pritchard

“It’s been really cool to see him grow into the player he is, being effective on a championship team,” Tatum said during a postgame press conference. “The things that he’s doing… is Sixth Man of the Year worthy for me.”

Tatum and Pritchard share a long history, having competed in the same high school class. Reflecting on their journey, Tatum highlighted Pritchard’s relentless drive and competitive spirit.

“I’ve been seeing that fearless competitive nature ever since we were like 13,” Tatum added. “He’s always working—whether it’s preseason, playing one-on-one, or getting up extra shots. We see the work he puts in, and we trust him to make the right plays.”

Support Across the Board

Tatum isn’t the only Celtics star to acknowledge Pritchard’s growing influence. Jaylen Brown, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, also voiced his support earlier in the week, tipping Pritchard as a strong contender for the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year accolade.

Pritchard‘s Take on His Breakout Season

Payton Pritchard, humbled by the praise, shared insights into his improved performance this season. “It’s through hard work,” Pritchard said. “Just being confident in yourself, knowing that you belong with the best, and believing in all the hard work and hours you put in during the summer.”

He added, “I have a strong belief in myself, and my teammates believe in me too. That gives me the confidence to help the team win on any given night.”

Pritchard emphasized the role of respect within the team dynamic. “They see the hours I put in, and that builds respect. That’s how I earn their trust, and how others earn mine—through the work.”

Stellar Stats Back the Praise

Though not a part of the Celtics‘ starting lineup, Pritchard’s contributions off the bench have been invaluable. Early into the 2024-25 NBA season, he’s averaging an impressive 15.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. These numbers underline his consistent performance and make a compelling case for his Sixth Man of the Year candidacy.

What’s Next for Pritchard and the Celtics?

As the 2024-25 season unfolds, Payton Pritchard’s growth will be one of the key storylines to watch. If he continues to deliver, his path to the Sixth Man of the Year award seems well within reach. For the Celtics, his presence provides depth and reliability—a crucial factor in their championship aspirations.

Tatum’s faith in Pritchard signals more than just admiration; it’s a testament to the cohesive and determined spirit within the Boston Celtics. With rising stars like Pritchard shining bright, the team’s future looks as promising as ever.