Inside The Celtics

Celtics Reportedly Sign Anton Watson to Two-Way Deal

Bobby Krivitsky

Jul 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics forward Anton Watson (28) during the first half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics forward Anton Watson (28) during the first half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
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According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the Celtics are signing Anton Watson to a two-way deal. The reigning NBA champions selected the former Gonzaga star 54th overall in this year's draft.

At Summer League, Watson lived up to his scouting report, showcasing impressive defensive versatility. That includes making life difficult for Kel'el Ware when matched up in the low post against the seven-foot-center, who the Heat chose fifteenth overall in this year's draft, and thwarting attempts to beat him off the dribble.

"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 Inside The Celtics during the team's stay in Sin City. "It is a unique skillset, and he has the potential to be a really unique defender for us."

Watson's impact as a savvy cutter off the ball and his ability to finish well from around the basket was also on display, as was his usefulness as a facilitator.

"That's kind of what I do, cut and try to get easy points; try to make the right play," he told Inside The Celtics after his first Summer League game, adding, "I think I can be more aggressive."

The latter statement refers to him passing up opportunities from beyond the arc, which happened in college despite converting on 41.2 percent of the 1.5 threes he hoisted in his final season in Spokane.

Acting on the Celtics' message to "let it fly" without hesitation when the opportunity presented itself was arguably the most encouraging development from Watson's time in Las Vegas.

He led Boston in field goal and three-point attempts in its win over the Hornets. His 15 points matched Jahmi'us Ramsey for a team-high that day.

He followed that up by burying 2/4 threes in a 14-point performance in a victory vs. the Mavericks. And Watson went 6/12 in the Celtics' consolation round matchup against the 76ers, shooting with confidence and attacking downhill in a 15-point performance.

And while he went through Summer League without a contract, he refused to let that become a distraction.

"I'm pretty much just focused on Summer League," Watson said before Boston's win over the Lakers. "I feel like I'll deal with that towards the end. But yeah, I'm focused on playing right now."

It's a sign of maturity from an individual who turns 24 in October. It also is a wise move from a team perspective. Bringing the six-foot-eight forward on board by filling their final two-way vacancy preserves the Celtics' open roster spot, maintaining what flexibility they have.

Further Reading

Here's What to Know about Jaylen Brown's Boston XChange

Jayson Tatum Discusses Going from Benched to Starting for Team USA

Jrue Holiday, Derrick White Discuss Team USA's Opening Olympic Win

Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown

Summer League Struggles Offer Valuable Lessons to Jordan Walsh

D.J. MacLeay Shares How Baylor Scheierman Impressed Him in Celtics Win vs. Lakers

Jaylen Brown 'Wasn't Surprised' by Olympic Snub: 'All the Motivation in the World'

Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Celtics Roster, Salary Cap Breakdown After Whirlwind Start to Free Agency

New Details about Plan to Sell Majority Stake in Celtics Revealed

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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