The Los Angeles Lakers recently signed Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 deal. Shortly after, they waived him, per the NBA's transaction wire.
That's a common sequence across the Association. When it happens, the purpose is usually to funnel a player to the franchise's G League affiliate. Watson can now earn a $91,000 bonus if he plays 60 days with the South Bay Lakers this year. They did this with him last season.
That also captures where the former Boston Celtics second-round draft pick is in his development. After selecting him 54th overall in 2024, they moved on from him during his rookie year.
Watson latched on with the New York Knicks. He appeared in nine games with them in the 2024-25 campaign. However, they parted ways with him too. Last season, the former Gonzaga standout was with the Lakers' G League affiliate. They had time to take a close look at his game and had two-way vacancies to fill. Los Angeles still went in a different direction. Boston still has an opening of that nature, but rather than seeing Watson return, that spot will probably go to Devin Carter.
Celtics again validated for moving on from Anton Watson
Seeing a rookie get waived is an abrupt ending. When it happens, it catches some off guard. While it's a cold sentiment, that doesn't mean it was the wrong decision at that time.
Boston believed in Watson's defense. He offered considerable potential on that side of the ball. He's versatile and is excellent at defending without fouling. Offensively, he is a savvy cutter. It was a promising foundation to work with. Unfortunately, it hasn't translated into him carving out a spot on an NBA roster.
One of the main reasons for that is his three-point shot. He barely attempted any in college. His form looked promising. And as a Celtic, he was more willing to let it fly from beyond the arc. However, it hasn't evolved into a trait that raises his ceiling.
In his 50 games with the South Bay Lakers last season, Watson averaged 11.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per tilt. That also highlights where he is in his basketball journey. He's a good player at one of the highest levels of basketball. However, he's not setting the G League on fire.
The fact that he turns 26 next month is another strike against him. Each year, younger players are entering the professional ranks. Many will have more potential. Even if they're equal to Watson in that projection, the tie typically goes to the youth. So, while the former Celtics forward's future is unwritten, his climb to an NBA roster spot, even on a two-way deal, is steep.
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