Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics
Payton Pritchard Declines All-Star Invitation but Remains Key to Celtics’ Success
With the 2025 NBA All-Star Game fast approaching, the Boston Celtics will once again be well represented. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have both secured All-Star selections—Tatum for the sixth time and Brown for the fourth. However, another Celtic had the opportunity to take part in the festivities but opted out.
Celtics guard Payton Pritchard recently revealed in an interview that he was approached about participating in the three-point contest but ultimately declined. Despite the honor, Pritchard did not believe it was the right time for him to take part in the event.
Pritchard’s Breakout Year From Deep
Since entering the NBA in 2020, Pritchard has always been known for his shooting ability, but this season he has taken his game to another level. Through 52 games, he is shooting a career-best 42.2% from three-point range on 7.6 attempts per game, leading the Celtics in three-point efficiency. He currently ranks 17th in the NBA in three-point percentage and eighth in total three-pointers made.
While he won’t be showing off his shooting stroke in the All-Star festivities, Pritchard’s impact on the Celtics’ success this season has not gone unnoticed.
A Leading Candidate for Sixth Man of the Year
Although Pritchard won’t be competing during All-Star Weekend, he remains a frontrunner for individual recognition. The Celtics guard is currently the betting favorite (-170) to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, per Bovada. His closest competition, De’Andre Hunter (+280), may see his candidacy diminish following his recent trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Pritchard has been humble about his potential award, stating in December that while winning Sixth Man of the Year would be an honor, it is not something he dwells on.
“It’s not something I really think about. If I’m fortunate to win, I guess [it’s] a testament to the hard work I put in. It just means that I’ve helped this team, coming off the bench and doing my job at a high level. It’s not something I’m like, if I don’t win or win, it’s not make or break it for me. I’m gonna continue what I’m doing. But yeah, it’d be an honor,” Pritchard said.
Celtics Poised for Another Deep Playoff Run
Pritchard’s breakout season has played a significant role in Boston’s success thus far. The Celtics, currently sitting at 37-16 and holding the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, are once again serious contenders for the NBA title. With a strong push following the All-Star break, Boston could challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed.
Regardless of their final regular-season standing, the Celtics remain one of the league’s most formidable teams. Their depth, star power, and defensive prowess make them a daunting opponent in the playoffs. As the postseason approaches, Pritchard and the Celtics will look to build momentum and position themselves for another championship run.
