The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is less than a week away, and per usual, the Boston Celtics will have some representatives. Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown earned an All-Star selection for the sixth and fourth time, respectively. However, another Celtic reportedly had a chance to partake in the All-Star festivities before declining the invite. In a recent interview, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard revealed that he and the NBA had communication about him doing the three-point contest. However, according to Pritchard, he did not believe it was the right time.
Payton Pritchard to @NoaDalzell on the 3PT contest: “They had communicated to me a little … but I just didn’t think it was the time this year.”
Full pregame interview: https://t.co/8vRi6ZqOoM
⚡️ @Prizepicks @gametime pic.twitter.com/54BUsZvdtc— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 10, 2025
Pritchard has always been a great three-point shooter since joining the league in 2020. However, he has taken an extra step this season. Through 52 games, the 27-year-old is shooting 42.2% from beyond the arc (team-high) on 7.6 attempts. Both of these numbers are career highs for Pritchard. Additionally, he ranks 17th in 3FG% and eighth in 3FG made in the NBA.
Boston Celtics’ Payton Pritchard Says He Rejected Invitation to All-Star Festivities
Payton Pritchard: The Award Winner?
Though he will not participate in the event, Pritchard is getting his recognition around the league regardless. In addition to the invite, the Celtics guard is also in a good spot to take home an award at the end of the season. Currently, Pritchard (-170) is the betting favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award, according to Bovada. De’Andre Hunter (+280) is the only one within reach of Pritchard. However, following his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his case may not be as strong.
In December, Pritchard gave a brutally honest comment about the award. While admitting winning the award would “be an honor,” he also acknowledged that he does not give it much thought.
“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.
The Last Word On Payton Pritchard and the Boston Celtics
Pritchard is in the midst of a career year, which has been important to Boston’s success. This season, the reigning champions are 37-16 and own the No. 2 seed in the East. They look primed for another deep playoff run and remain legitimate title contenders. There is a lot of basketball remaining. However, as it stands, there are just a handful of teams who pose as serious threats to the Celtics in the playoffs. Hopefully for the team, they can make a push following the All-Star break and potentially grab the No. 1 seed from the Cavaliers. Regardless, the Celtics are an elite team and will be a scary opponent for anybody in the playoffs.
Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
