Anton Watson Shares Gonzaga's NBA Alums Message After Celtics Drafted Him

Bobby Krivitsky | Aug 5, 2024

Mar 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) dunks against Kansas Jayhawks forward K.J. Adams Jr. (24) during the second half in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena-Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Celtics signed Anton Watson, filling their third and final opening for a two-way roster spot. Boston selected the six-foot-eight forward 54th overall in this year's NBA Draft.

Watson's coming off a productive Summer League stint, where he showcased his defensive versatility, shutting down drives from the perimeter and holding his ground against taller opposition in the low post.

ANT🚫N pic.twitter.com/yWRx79oA3G

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 14, 2024

"What sticks out is the defensive versatility and the strength physically to absorb drives, stay between his man and the rim without fouling," Boston's Summer League head coach D.J. MacLeay told this author during the team's stay in Las Vegas. "It is a unique skillset, and he has the potential to be a really unique defender for us."

Watson also demonstrated his effectiveness as a facilitator, his impact off the ball as a savvy cutter, and his reliability finishing around the basket. And as Summer League progressed, he began letting his shot fly without hesitation.

the kid can shoot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YReGgz9pKu

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 21, 2024

Watson's productivity in Sin City is a testament to the maturity of a rookie who turns 24 in October. It also helps to come from a winning program. Gonzaga went 130-19 in his tenure with the Bulldogs. That includes reaching the national championship in 2021 on a team filled with future NBA players, including first-round picks Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert.

For Watson, the only player with over 1,400 points, 700 rebounds, 215 steals, and 200 assists in the history of Gonzaga's men's basketball program, to have former teammates like those two, Chet Holmgren and Andrew Nembhard to lean on as he starts his pro career is already paying dividends.

"Enjoy the moment," Watson told this author about the advice the Bulldogs with NBA experience and his collegiate head coach, Mark Few, currently working as an assistant coach for the United States men's basketball team, conveyed to him.

"The biggest thing they said to me was, 'Be in the best shape of your life. You got to change some of your lifestyle habits, eating-wise; you're professional now.' So, I think that's the biggest thing (that) they gave me advice on. But have fun with the process."

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