When Payton Pritchard was drafted by the Boston Celtics, there was doubt about his NBA fit given his height (just 6-foot-1, undersized even at the point guard position in the NBA) and relative obscurity to local college basketball fans (Pritchard played for Oregon on the Pacific-12 conference).
But the West Linn native took the same relentless approach he has brought to bear on everything he does to his career in the league. And despite inconsistent playing time in his first three seasons in the NBA, Pritchard carved out a rotation spot with the Celtics. Over time, he honed that into a successful supporting role for a title team, then won the NBA’s 2025 Sixth Man of the Year award. Now, he’s taking on a starting role with Boston — and picking up some apropos endorsements while he’s at it with Lucky Energy.
The Celtics Wire caught up with the former Duck this week to talk about the season so far, how he and the rest of the roster are doing playing bigger roles, and how his endorsement with Lucky Energy came about. Let’s dive into our conversation with Pritchard while we wait for the 2025 NBA Cup game against the Orlando Magic to arrive on Friday (Nov. 7). (Note – this interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity)
Celtics Wire: Thanks for this, Payton. You’re here to tell us about your new sponsorship deal with Lucky Energy; can we talk about the season so far first? Rebounding and rim protection have been issues, but also defense and focus. What do you think Boston most needs to address?
Payton Pritchard: It is still early in the season, we are meshing together, exploring new lineups, and getting used to new roles, new rotations.
We pride ourselves in playing tough and physical…that has always been a staple mark of the Celtics, especially under Coach (Joe Mazzulla). We will do our best to correct any issues. I am not worried about it. It’s a long season, we will get there.
CW: There’s also been growth among your teammates. Hugo Gonzalez looking ready for NBA minutes, Josh Minott carving out a role, and Luka Garza being more impactful than some expected. For you, who’s shown the most growth, and why?
PP: I like our entire roster… young guys, old guys, and everyone in between. We have a roster full of guys who show up each day willing to put in the work, and the results will show. I was a young guy once, you just have to keep your head down and keep working. I like them all, good dudes on and off the court.
CW: So as I mentioned, you’re now one of the faces of Lucky Energy, which seems apropos given the team you play for. How did this partnership come about, and has Lucky (the mascot) had a chance to try this energy drink?
PP: It was a natural fit. Lucky Energy is all about grit and toughness. It speaks to me. I am that way on the court, Boston is like that as a city, so it seemed like a natural fit. Not to mention, it’s the best-tasting energy drink, with just 5 simple ingredients, that keep me locked in.
Lucky, the mascot, has so much energy; if he drank Lucky energy, I don’t know if we could contain him. I’ll give him a can the next time I see him.
CW: The focus of the campaign fits you. I think about that clip of you practicing your handle (you know the one) and it was perfect. Tell me more about the campaign, given it will have extra impact for Cs fans who have seen how you become the player you are now.
PP: I pride myself on putting in the work when the bright lights aren’t on. There is a certain toughness and grit that you need to have to play in the NBA, and especially for this city and this franchise.
I have tried to take what comes naturally to me, hard work and dedication to my craft, and bring that every day. Luck Energy is built the same way; it’s for tough, hardworking people.
CW: I also hear there will be a Boston-focused campaign launching this spring. Could you tell me more about it?
PP: I want you to see that for yourself! Boston will be at the forefront of everything I do with Lucky Energy. The campaign is Boston-built. This city has given me so much; this campaign with Lucky Energy will give back to the city and highlight what Boston is all about.
CW: Help me out with another wrinkle I noticed about Lucky Energy before you go. I heard you’re not the only Sixth Man of the Year in this campaign. Is that a coincidence? And do you think Anfernee Simons will be a future sponsor after winning Sixth Man of the Year for 2026?
PP: I hope Afernee is holding up that Sixth Man of the Year in 2026, but I know he isn’t about individual goals. Anfernee is here to help us win. Lucky Energy has partnered with Naz Reid and me. Lucky wants the underdogs, the Lucky family is for everyone who has been doubted before but rises to the occasion.
Go get yourself a can at Shaw’s or Star Market, or on Amazon, and tell me what you think.
CW: Noted — thanks Payton!
Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:
Spotify: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Payton Pritchard on the Celtics season so far, new endorsement deal
