Celtics signing Anton Watson sets the table: Instant reaction & analysis

According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the Boston Celtics are signing rookie big man Anton Watson to a two-way contract.

The Celtics selected Watson with the 54th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he had an impressive run in Summer League. In five games, Watson averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 51.1% from the floor and 35.0% from beyond the three-point line.

With Watson under contract, Boston has now filled all three of their two-way spots. They brought back JD Davison and Drew Peterson earlier this summer, and they are taking up the other two.

Now, the Celtics only have one roster spot open heading into next year. They brought back the exact same roster, minus Svi Mykhailiuk and Oshae Brissett, and added Baylor Scheierman and Watson in the draft.

Celtics signing Anton Watson to two-way contract

Watson’s solid Summer League stint was more than just decent statistical output, though. It was a look into the future of what the big man position in Boston could look like.

“He’s already an NBA-level defender,” Celtics Summer League coach DJ MacLeay said after Boston’s win over the Charlotte Hornets. “He has things that he’s got to work on on that side of the floor that we’re trying to help him with, but I think if he can prove that he can knock down those shots, and he shows a willingness to take him without hesitation, he’s gonna be a really good player for us. And he provides a lot of versatility because of his switchability and his ability to guard the basketball.”

The defensive stats may not fully reflect Watson’s impact on that side of the ball, but he was constantly in the right position, making the right moves, and forcing opposing players out of their rhythm.

At 6-foot-8, he’s a bit undersized for a center, but that is oversized by his versatility. With Al Horford and Xavier Tillman already on the team, the Celtics have seemingly found yet another switchable big.

Developing a consistent three-point shot will be the next step for Watson, but he’s already showing a ton of progress in that area. He was letting them fly in Las Vegas, and confidence is a very important first step.

But perhaps the most impressive intricacy about Watson’s game is his passing. Similar to Horford, the Gonzaga product is extremely smart with the ball in his hands and capable of acting as an elite connector from anywhere on the floor.

There may not be a ton of minutes available to him this year, but by bringing him on board via a two-way, the Celtics are giving a glance into the future of the center position in Boston. They are setting themselves up for sustained success at that spot once Horford retires.