Recent 2024 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics made a strategic move by selecting Anton Watson, a forward from Gonzaga University. Picked 54th overall in the second round, Watson’s selection has sparked interest and analysis within the basketball community.
Watson’s collegiate career at Gonzaga, spanning from 2019 to 2024, showcased his versatility and defensive prowess. Over 151 games, with 94 starts, he averaged 9.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. Notably, Watson solidified his place in Gonzaga’s history by recording the second-most steals (215) in the program’s history, trailing only NBA legend John Stockton. His standout performance in the 2022-23 season, where he amassed 66 steals, stands as the fourth-highest single-season steal count in Gonzaga’s record books.
Bobby Manning of CLNS Media provided insights into why the Celtics opted for Watson. Manning highlighted Watson’s defensive acumen, underscored by his impressive steal numbers and defensive impact at the collegiate level. This defensive prowess aligns well with the Celtics’ historical emphasis on strong defensive play and versatility in their roster composition.
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The decision to draft Watson also reflects Boston’s strategy of identifying talent that can contribute immediately or develop into impactful players in the NBA. As the Celtics continue to refine their roster for the upcoming seasons, Watson’s skill set and potential growth trajectory position him as a promising addition to the team’s future plans.
For more discussions on the Celtics and other New England sports insights, explore podcasts like “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and “Celtics Lab” on the CLNS Media network.
