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 his relative obscurity to local college basketball fans. Pritchard played for Oregon in the Pacific-12 conference, which meant many Boston fans were unfamiliar with his game.
But the West Linn native took the same relentless approach he has brought to everything in his life and applied it to his NBA career. Despite inconsistent playing time in his first three seasons, Pritchard carved out a rotation spot with the Celtics. Over time, he developed that role into a successful supporting position on a title-contending team and eventually won the NBA’s 2025 Sixth Man of the Year award.
Now, he’s stepping into a starting role with Boston—and picking up some apropos endorsements while he’s at it, including a new partnership with Lucky Energy.
Celtics Wire recently caught up with the former Duck to talk about the season so far, how he and the rest of the roster are adapting to bigger roles, and how his endorsement with Lucky Energy came about. Here’s our conversation with Pritchard as fans await the 2025 NBA Cup game against the Orlando Magic on Friday, November 7.
*(Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.)*
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**Celtics Wire:** Thanks for this, Payton. You’re here to talk about your new sponsorship deal with Lucky Energy, but can we start with the season so far? Rebounding and rim protection have been issues, along with defense and focus. What do you think Boston most needs to address?
**Payton Pritchard:** It’s still early in the season. We’re meshing together, exploring new lineups, and getting used to new roles and rotations. We pride ourselves on playing tough and physical—that’s always been a staple for the Celtics, especially under Coach (Joe Mazzulla). We’ll do our best to correct any issues. I’m not worried about it. It’s a long season, and we’ll get there.
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**CW:** There’s been noticeable growth among your teammates. Hugo Gonzalez looks ready for NBA minutes, Josh Minott is carving out a role, and Luka Garza has been more impactful than some expected. For you, who has shown the most growth, and why?
**PP:** I like our entire roster: young guys, older vets, and everyone in between. We have a group full of guys who show up each day willing to put in the work, and the results will show. I was once a young guy too—you just have to keep your head down and keep working. I like them all; they’re good dudes on and off the court.
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**CW:** As I mentioned, you’re now one of the faces of Lucky Energy, which seems fitting given the gritty nature of the team you play for. How did this partnership come about? And has Lucky, the mascot, had a chance to try the energy drink yet?
**PP:** It was a natural fit. Lucky Energy is all about grit and toughness, which speaks to me. I’m that way on the court, and Boston is like that as a city, so it felt right. Not to mention, it’s the best-tasting energy drink with just five 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.
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**CW:** The focus of the campaign fits you perfectly. I immediately thought of that clip of you practicing your handle (you know the one). Tell me more about the campaign, especially since Celtics fans have seen how you became the player you are today.
**PP:** I pride myself on putting in the work when the bright lights aren’t on. There’s a certain toughness and grit you need to play in the NBA, especially for this city and franchise. I try to bring what comes naturally to me—hard work and dedication to my craft—every day.
Lucky Energy is built the same way; it’s for tough, hardworking people.
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**CW:** I also heard there will be a Boston-focused campaign launching this spring. Can you tell us more about that?
**PP:** I want you to see it 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, and this partnership will give back to the city while highlighting what Boston is all about.
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**CW:** Help me out with one more detail 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 in 2026?
**PP:** I hope Anfernee is holding up that Sixth Man of the Year award 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’s 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.
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**CW:** Noted—thanks, Payton!
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*Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on [Spotify](#) and [iTunes](#).*
https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/11/07/payton-pritchard-on-the-celtics-season-so-far-new-endorsement-deal/87133938007/
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