Last season, the Boston Celtics had Neemias Queta, JD Davison, and Drew Peterson on two-way contracts at the end of the G League campaign. Since then, the Celtics signed Queta to a standard deal and brought Davison and Peterson back in the mix. With each NBA team having three two-way contracts, Boston had one more spot to fill. There were a few names thrown out as a possibility for Boston’s last two-way spot, but it seems the team has made their decision. According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the Celtics have signed rookie forward Anton Watson with their final two-way spot.
According to a league source, the Celtics are signing second-round draft pick Anton Watson to a two-way contract.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) August 2, 2024
The Celtics drafted Watson with the 54th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Watson spent his entire collegiate career at Gonzaga. In five years at Gonzaga, he averaged 9.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. However, his game improved immensely during his final season, averaging 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 57.8% from the field, including 41.2% from beyond the arc.
Watson also played with the Celtics during the 2024 Summer League. In five games, including three starts, he averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1 block.
Boston Celtics Sign Anton Watson to Two-Way Contract
Anton Watson is Playing With a Chip on His Shoulder
The Celtics selected Watson just one pick before the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James. The James selection was polarizing and received media coverage for a long time before the draft even happened. Watson reflected on his selection getting overshadowed by James’, saying it “puts a chip on [his] shoulder.”
“I think the last 10 picks they were talking about Bronny,” Watson said. “You don’t try to focus on that, but that definitely puts a chip on your shoulder. That’s crazy, I think it’s a little bit crazy.”
Though he likely will not receive many NBA minutes during his rookie year, it will be interesting to see how Watson’s extra motivation will impact his performance next season.
Celtics Did Not Give Two-Way Contract to Former Summer League Standout
Last year, Celtics wing Jay Scrubb played well during the Summer League showcase. In fact, he played well enough to earn a two-way contract last season. However, after suffering a torn ACL, Scrubb missed the entire 2023-24 season. In July, Brian Robb of MassLive.com reported that the Celtics and Scrubb have mutual interest in a reunion.
“Nothing is officially done with the Celtics yet but there is interest in getting something done. Would be a cool story for him to get a chance again after suffering such a brutal injury during preseason. Would expect him to try to find a two-way deal somewhere but he may have to show he’s back first physically in the G-League.”
With Watson’s signing, this removes Scrubb as a two-way candidate for the Celtics for now. Additionally, the Celtics still have an open spot on the main roster available, but it is highly unlikely they give that spot to Scrubb.
