The Boston Celtics have waived their 2024 second-round pick, Anton Watson.
Watson, who signed a two-way deal with Boston in August after being selected 54th overall (the pick before Bronny James) last summer, was in Boston with the big club for Sunday’s 110-103 win over the Denver Nuggets.
The 6-foot-8 forward didn’t appear in any games for Boston, spending all his time with the G-League affiliate Maine Celtics, where he played 16 games, averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds (1.6 offensive), 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals. The Gonzaga product was shooting 46.1% from the field and 33.3% from three on 5.8 three-point attempts per game.
The move opens up a two-way spot for the Celtics, who also have an open standard roster spot. With the deadline to sign two-way players approaching on March 4, Brad Stevens and the Celtics could very well have a player in mind to fill Watson’s spot. Keep in mind that two-way players (Drew Peterson and JD Davison) are ineligible for postseason play. Boston could promote someone on the G-League roster to a two-way spot or sign someone externally.
The last day to sign standard contracts is April 13, but players must be waived by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs.
Watson, who finished his collegiate career with the second-most steals (215) in Gonzaga program history—trailing only John Stockton—also recorded the fourth-most steals in a single season with 66 in 2022-23. Given his defensive upside, the Celtics could still retain Watson within the organization by signing him to a G-League deal.
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