4 Things to Know About Celtics’ 2nd-Round Pick Anton Watson

Watson finished with over 1,400 points, 700 rebounds and 200 assists in college, with only Hall of Famer John Stockton recording more steals than Watson (215) during his time with the Bulldogs.

In Watson’s five seasons with Gonzaga, the Bulldogs have made four trips to the Sweet 16, including a national championship game appearance in 2021.

Watson’s strengths revolve around defense and finishing

While Boston clearly prioritized three-point shooting with its first-round selection of Schierman, the Celtics are banking on Watson’s defensive potential as a value add with the No. 54 pick.

Watson’s size (6-foot-8, 7-foot wingspan) allowed him to become a staunch on-ball defender during his college years, with that high motor offering hope that he could translate to the next level in due time.

“Versatile defender who has spent time defending everyone from Zach Edey to scoring wings to small forwards,” The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor said of Watson in his 2024 NBA Draft guide. “While he’s quite tall, he moves like a wing himself when navigating screens, so he should also have positional range at the next level. Talented rim protector thanks to his touch, fundamentals and length.”

O’Connor compared Watson’s game to “shades of old Al Horford,” citing his ability to defend both forwards and guards and his natural offensive feel.

While Watson’s offensive toolkit isn’t diverse, he had a knack for converting at the basket with the Bulldogs. He shot 57.8 percent from the field last season — good for third overall in the WCC — and finished his college career with a 58.6 percent field goal percentage over five seasons.

He has room for offensive progress

It’s almost a given that Watson’s ability to convert at the basket will take a hit at the next level.

As such, the 23-year-old winger will need to complement his overall skillset on offense if he wants to stay in the NBA ranks.

Unlike Schierman, Watson wasn’t much of a three-point threat during college, hitting just 30.7 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in five seasons at Gonzaga.

It’s worth noting that he’s made strides in this area throughout his career, hitting 41.2 percent of his 3-pointers in 2023-24 on 1.5 attempts per game.

Add to that the fact that Watson converted just 62.7 percent of his free throws at Gonzaga, and the versatile forward will have to make a concerted effort to develop his overall game in the years to come.

As intriguing as he may be on the defensive side of the ball, the Celtics can’t use him as a regular rotation player if he can’t offer much on the other end of the floor.

He signed with Lil Wayne’s sports agency

Ahead of the 2024 NBA draft, Watson signed with Young Money APAA Sports, a sports agency group founded by rapper Lil Wayne.

According to the agency’s website, Young Money APAA provides “a full suite of services including contract negotiations, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, financial planning, legal support and career guidance.”

Previous Young Money APAA clients include Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman and former NBA big man Willie Cauley-Stein.