Career Timeline of Payton Pritchard: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Payton Pritchard, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Payton Pritchard is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He played college basketball at the University of Oregon, earning all-conference honors. Drafted 26th overall by the Celtics in 2020, Pritchard has reached the NBA Finals twice with the team, in 2022 and 2024, winning the championship in 2024. In 2025, he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 2015: Committed to the University of Oregon Ducks

In August 2015, Payton Pritchard committed to play basketball for the University of Oregon Ducks.

2015: FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Championship

In 2015, Payton Pritchard represented the United States at the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Championship, showcasing his shooting ability with nine three-pointers in a game against Poland.

2016: Freshman Year at Oregon

During his freshman year in 2016, Payton Pritchard played in 39 games for the Oregon Ducks, averaging 7.4 points and 3.6 assists per game, reaching the Final Four.

2016: Nike Hoop Summit

In 2016, Payton Pritchard played in the Nike Hoop Summit as a member of the USA National Select Team, scoring 12 points with four three-pointers in 14 minutes.

November 25, 2017: Career-High Points Against DePaul

On November 25, 2017, Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 29 points along with eight assists and six rebounds in a victory over DePaul.

2017: FIBA U19 World Cup Bronze Medal

In 2017, Payton Pritchard played for the U.S. squad at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Egypt, averaging 9.0 points and winning a bronze medal, also being named to the All-Star Five.

2019: Declared for the NBA Draft, then Returned to Oregon

In 2019, after a strong showing and leading Oregon to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, Payton Pritchard declared for the NBA draft but ultimately decided to return to Oregon for his senior season.

January 18, 2020: Game-Winning Shot Against Washington

On January 18, 2020, Payton Pritchard scored 22 points against Washington, including a 30-foot shot with three seconds left to complete a 16-point comeback victory for Oregon.

November 24, 2020: Signed Rookie Contract with the Boston Celtics

On November 24, 2020, Payton Pritchard signed a four-year, $10.5 million rookie contract with the Boston Celtics.

2020: Drafted by the Boston Celtics

In 2020, Payton Pritchard was selected 26th overall in the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.

January 4, 2021: Career-High 23 Points Against Toronto Raptors

On January 4, 2021, Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 23 points in a 126–114 victory over the Toronto Raptors, also contributing eight assists and two rebounds.

2021: All-Summer League First Team

In 2021, Payton Pritchard played for the Celtics in the NBA Summer League and was named All-Summer League First Team after averaging 17 points and eight assists.

2022: NBA Finals Run with Celtics

In 2022, Payton Pritchard helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors.

2022: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2022, Pritchard reached the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics.

October 8, 2023: Contract Extension with Celtics

On October 8, 2023, Payton Pritchard and the Celtics agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year, $30 million contract extension.

April 12, 2024: Career-High 32 Points Against Hornets

On April 12, 2024, Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 32 points and recorded 11 assists in a 131–96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, becoming the first Celtics player in the play-by-play era to record 23 points and nine assists in the first half.

2024: NBA Championship

In 2024, Payton Pritchard secured an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics.

2024: NBA Championship with Celtics and Buzzer-Beating Shots

In 2024, during the NBA Finals, Payton Pritchard made a significant impact, including hitting a 34-foot three-pointer at the buzzer in Game 2 and a half-court shot at the buzzer in Game 5, contributing to the Celtics' NBA championship victory.

March 5, 2025: Career-High 43 Points Against Trail Blazers

On March 5, 2025, Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 43 points, along with 10 rebounds and five assists, in a 128–118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. He and Derrick White became the first Celtics teammates to each make nine or more three-pointers in the same game.

November 30, 2025: 42 Points in Victory over Cavaliers

On November 30, 2025, due to lineup changes, Payton Pritchard scored 42 points on 15-of-22 shooting in a 117–115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.