The Boston Celtics have successfully retained all key members of their championship-winning roster and have now officially signed both rookies selected in the 2024 NBA Draft.
On Friday, Boston announced a two-way agreement with Anton Watson, the 54th overall pick from June’s draft. Watson, who spent five seasons at Gonzaga, showcased his skills with an impressive average of 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field during the 2023-24 season. His defensive versatility stood out during Boston’s Summer League campaign, giving the 23-year-old a solid first impression of NBA basketball.
“I felt good overall,” Watson remarked after the Summer League concluded, as reported by CLNS Media. “The whole Summer League was about understanding the pace, the strength required, and getting a feel for playing at this level. I felt like I performed well.”
Watson participated in five games in Las Vegas, averaging 11.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He demonstrated his engagement on both ends of the floor and displayed his athleticism. By staying active with Boston’s ball-handlers, Watson created opportunities for easy baskets and showed his capability to hit 3-point shots. Although this might not secure him a permanent roster spot with the Celtics, the G League affiliate in Maine will offer ample opportunities for Watson to hone his skills, readying him for when head coach Joe Mazzulla might need him, potentially as soon as the upcoming season.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who chose two 23-year-old prospects (including Baylor Scheierman), was not deterred by Watson’s age. Stevens emphasized that Boston would only draft players they felt confident in and comfortable with, regardless of their age.
“First of all, I think guys are playing longer,” Stevens said following the draft at Auerbach Center. “So 23 and 24 is still young in the big picture of things. I believe both of these players have shown significant growth throughout their careers, and we expect them to continue developing.”