Appreciation Thread, Anton Watson (Boston/Maine) – (Waived March 2, 2025)

[cl2117]

I like the idea of adding 4/5 year college guys. Basketball IQ should be there, the maturity should be there, they're far less likely to come in with inflated ego or expectations. They usually have lower ceilings, but higher floors and with our current roster that actually fits right in.

Eventually I still want to see Brad bring in a couple guys who have more potential as lottery tickets but for the short term, I'm happy with filling the roster out with glue type guys who fill the space well in between the rest of our stars out there.

[phincsfan]

I like the idea of adding 4/5 year college guys. Basketball IQ should be there, the maturity should be there, they're far less likely to come in with inflated ego or expectations. They usually have lower ceilings, but higher floors and with our current roster that actually fits right in.

Eventually I still want to see Brad bring in a couple guys who have more potential as lottery tickets but for the short term, I'm happy with filling the roster out with glue type guys who fill the space well in between the rest of our stars out there.

It'll happen if scouting is good. There's always going to be diamonds to be found.

[ThePigeon]

I like the 'Old Al Horford' comment
I get vibes of Trayce Jackson-Davis with Anton. Don't know why
Less athletic more cerebral player. Intensity and strength is there

[Shak_Celts]

I like the idea of adding 4/5 year college guys. Basketball IQ should be there, the maturity should be there, they're far less likely to come in with inflated ego or expectations. They usually have lower ceilings, but higher floors and with our current roster that actually fits right in.

Eventually I still want to see Brad bring in a couple guys who have more potential as lottery tickets but for the short term, I'm happy with filling the roster out with glue type guys who fill the space well in between the rest of our stars out there.

It'll happen if scouting is good. There's always going to be diamonds to be found.

Walsh is still only 5. JD is barely hanging in there but he’s probably 5 and a possible. We have a mixture already.

[sam_I_am]

I like the idea of adding 4/5 year college guys. Basketball IQ should be there, the maturity should be there, they're far less likely to come in with inflated ego or expectations. They usually have lower ceilings, but higher floors and with our current roster that actually fits right in.

Eventually I still want to see Brad bring in a couple guys who have more potential as lottery tickets but for the short term, I'm happy with filling the roster out with glue type guys who fill the space well in between the rest of our stars out there.

It'll happen if scouting is good. There's always going to be diamonds to be found.

I think Brad had this plan all along. When he first came in as GM and new coach he knew this day would come where the Jays would be on max deals and team would be hard capped. He got rid of guaranteed first round picks and then drafted young players with potential and those that could be stashed. Now that we are here at second apron he is drafting ready to play college kids and has a small group of prospects in Begarin, Yam, Walsh, JD and Queta all around age 20-24. Not many of the young guys with potential have really panned out yet but I still believe Walsh might. All he needs is 1-2 to contribute over the next two years as bench players because the top 7 is all signed or soon to be locked up.

If Brad can extend Hauser, he might have option of trading him next season for a 12-15 million contract if Baylor proves to be a capable replacement.

[Fierce1]

I like the idea of adding 4/5 year college guys. Basketball IQ should be there, the maturity should be there, they're far less likely to come in with inflated ego or expectations. They usually have lower ceilings, but higher floors and with our current roster that actually fits right in.

Eventually I still want to see Brad bring in a couple guys who have more potential as lottery tickets but for the short term, I'm happy with filling the roster out with glue type guys who fill the space well in between the rest of our stars out there.

It'll happen if scouting is good. There's always going to be diamonds to be found.

I think Brad had this plan all along. When he first came in as GM and new coach he knew this day would come where the Jays would be on max deals and team would be hard capped. He got rid of guaranteed first round picks and then drafted young players with potential and those that could be stashed. Now that we are here at second apron he is drafting ready to play college kids and has a small group of prospects in Begarin, Yam, Walsh, JD and Queta all around age 20-24. Not many of the young guys with potential have really panned out yet but I still believe Walsh might. All he needs is 1-2 to contribute over the next two years as bench players because the top 7 is all signed or soon to be locked up.

If Brad can extend Hauser, he might have option of trading him next season for a 12-15 million contract if Baylor proves to be a capable replacement.

No need to trade Sam because Jrue will be turning 36 in 2026.

Sam could be a starter by then and Baylor will be 7th or 8th man.

[Hal14]

I like the 'Old Al Horford' comment
I get vibes of Trayce Jackson-Davis with Anton. Don't know why
Less athletic more cerebral player. Intensity and strength is there

Yeah..Watson less athletic but more shooting potential. And more defensive versatility..

[Shak_Celts]

I do see where Anderson comes from but I think Watson is quicker and more athletic. Then again, I can’t remember his college tape, maybe he just looks slower in the pros?

[Hal14]

It'll happen if scouting is good. There's always going to be diamonds to be found.

I think Brad had this plan all along. When he first came in as GM and new coach he knew this day would come where the Jays would be on max deals and team would be hard capped. He got rid of guaranteed first round picks and then drafted young players with potential and those that could be stashed. Now that we are here at second apron he is drafting ready to play college kids and has a small group of prospects in Begarin, Yam, Walsh, JD and Queta all around age 20-24. Not many of the young guys with potential have really panned out yet but I still believe Walsh might. All he needs is 1-2 to contribute over the next two years as bench players because the top 7 is all signed or soon to be locked up.

If Brad can extend Hauser, he might have option of trading him next season for a 12-15 million contract if Baylor proves to be a capable replacement.

No need to trade Sam because Jrue will be turning 36 in 2026.

Sam could be a starter by then and Baylor will be 7th or 8th man.

Horford was still in the starting lineup at age 36..

I don't see Jrue moving to the bench anytime soon..he'll be making starter money ($37 mil) in the 28-29 season..

[31to6]

I do see where Anderson comes from but I think Watson is quicker and more athletic. Then again, I can’t remember his college tape, maybe he just looks slower in the pros?

Anderson was Slow Mo in college too. That’s just .. the pace .. at … which he …….. moves

[Gant]

I'm told this is THE is the game for Anton Watson. Gonzaga/UCLA in the Maui Invitational last fall. Added bonuses- Bill Walton calls it, and Adem Bona is playing.

Watch on YouTube

spoiler alert box score:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401581600

[Hal14]

Nice 2 nice early baskets for Watson. The fist off a nice cut where the UCLA defense loses him off-ball and he makes them pay by cutting at the right time to the right spot, then the strong finish over the defender at the rim, using the basket to shield the defender away..

Skipped to later in the game..

Textbook defense on the possession at 1:03:40, defending Bona. Was physical, battled with Bona for position - without fouling Then really good post up defense, held his ground, matched Bona's strength and then drew the charge

Yeah, he can play..

[Gant]

I just watched the whole game and can see why at 54 Watson was worth taking a chance on. He's poised as can be. His game is very versatile. He works hard, boxes out, the stroke looks good, and he can pass. He does not rush at all.

The hurdles for him are size and speed. Those are big ones. He also needs work on free throw shooting.

Bona is a huge thick long-armed athletic bullish dude. He's not tall for a center, but what a great NBA frame. He's a raw but exciting prospect.

[Fencer reregistered]

Another unmentioned possible reason why Brad and co. are targetting older players could be to protect the integrity and sanctity of that locker room. Vibes and chemistry are immaculate right now. JVG said there were zero issues with the players last season. Stevens explicitly mentioned they don't intend to bring in players who could bring down that energy. Younger guys are likely less mature mentally/emotionally and could easily be distracted. Will you come to practice on time and sober? Will you be diligent in your workouts and treatment? Are you coachable? Will you watch film? Can you pick up concepts easily? Are you determined enough to work on your weaknesses? Will you let your extracurriculars get in the way of your development and your commitment to the team?

Good point And the analysis doesn't even have to be that explicit.

5 years of behaving well in college, through age 2, is stronger evidence than 1 year of behaving well in college, through age 19.

[Fencer reregistered]

Another reason to wind up drafting guys who are out of college eligibility, perhaps. From right before the draft:

Stevens also highlighted the rise of college name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals as a factor that is changing team’s options in the later round.

“The advancement of NIL and how out of control that’s gotten has really impacted the late 40s and 50s and postdraft and that kind of stuff,” Stevens said. “There are a lot of people who went back (to college) who would probably be in that mix, but they just got huge paydays. More than two-ways.”

“So that’s kind of the world that we’re living in now, a little bit. I think that’s where the draft might be the most impacted consistently over the next few years.”

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2024/06/26/brad-stevens-celtics-nba-draft-news-rumors/

[FlyBono]

Much like Walsh 2 years ago another player who was exposed by UConn D this past college season
Old with no upside = bust
Thanks Brad

[165bows]

Another reason to wind up drafting guys who are out of college eligibility, perhaps. From right before the draft:

Stevens also highlighted the rise of college name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals as a factor that is changing team’s options in the later round.

“The advancement of NIL and how out of control that’s gotten has really impacted the late 40s and 50s and postdraft and that kind of stuff,” Stevens said. “There are a lot of people who went back (to college) who would probably be in that mix, but they just got huge paydays. More than two-ways.”

“So that’s kind of the world that we’re living in now, a little bit. I think that’s where the draft might be the most impacted consistently over the next few years.”

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2024/06/26/brad-stevens-celtics-nba-draft-news-rumors/

More than 2-way=$500k+ in marketing money for a college player. Nice few months for a young guy.

[Hal14]

Much like Walsh 2 years ago another player who was exposed by UConn D this past college season
Old with no upside = bust
Thanks Brad

[Hal14]

Article about Watson with some quotes by Brad:
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/celtics-scheierman-watson-2024-nbadraft-picks-brad-stevens/#:~:text=Stevens%20excited%20about%20Watson's%20defensive,that%20end%20of%20the%20floor.

I find a couple of things interesting about Brad's comments about Watson:

a)

"Anton's strength and ability to move his feet laterally give him a chance to be one of these big, strong hybrid forwards that can switch and guard a lot of people"

Switch the name and Brad could have literally said the exact same thing word for word about Grant williams, Al horford and Xavier Tillman when Boston first acquired them.

This video touches on Grant Williams' defensive versatility, why Brad loved him so much when he was the coach..and why Grant was able to get consistent rotation mins as a rookie - on a team that went to ECF.

Watch on YouTube

Grant's strength and quick feet helped him defensively - as well as being a high IQ defender who knows how to read the offensive player to know where he's gonna drive, is disciplined enough to not bite on fakes, is fearless in that he doesn't back down and isn't afraid of defending even the toughest scorers.

You could say all of that same stuff about Horford, Tillman and Watson.

b) Another quote from Brad in the article:

"I want him to come in here with the mindset that he's gonna let it fly like he's never let it fly before," said Stevens. "I think he's a better shooter than he sometimes thinks he is."

I know what you're thinking, Watson isn't that good of a shooter. Well, neither were Al, Grant and Tillman when they first arrived in Boston, as we see here:



Al and Grant both ended up being elite shooters during their time in Boston.

Too soon to tell on Tillman, as he just got here at mid season - still hasn't gone through a full offseason or training camp with the team. But he did show flashes of improved shooting and more confidence in his shooting already since arriving in Boston.

But you look at the shooting development of Al, Grant as well as D-white, Jaylen and others after becoming a Celtic and it's clear that the org is good at developing their players shooting ability.

Watson is already starting off as a decent shooter coming in to Boston..and his shooting improved each year he was at Gonzaga.

Everybody keeps saying that Scheierman is a Hauser replacement. But what about Watson? It kind of seems like he could be a Grant replacement. And possibly (if he doesn't resign with Boston) a Tillman replacement (and even if Tillman does resign, maybe eventually he will get moved if Watson is coming along nicely and is ready for a larger role) and possibly (if things *really* come along nicely with Watson's development) perhaps down the road, he could be a Horford replacement, whenever he decides to retire.

At the very least, Watson has a chance to be a solid player off the bench, providing front court depth and is a similar archetype to a few guys who have been successful role players on the Celtics - an archetype the team has targeted when adding new players and has shown success with developing players of this archetype.

[cloverleaf]

Article about Watson with some quotes by Brad:
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/celtics-scheierman-watson-2024-nbadraft-picks-brad-stevens/#:~:text=Stevens%20excited%20about%20Watson's%20defensive,that%20end%20of%20the%20floor.

I find a couple of things interesting about Brad's comments about Watson:

a)

"Anton's strength and ability to move his feet laterally give him a chance to be one of these big, strong hybrid forwards that can switch and guard a lot of people"

Switch the name and Brad could have literally said the exact same thing word for word about Grant williams, Al horford and Xavier Tillman when Boston first acquired them.

This video touches on Grant Williams' defensive versatility, why Brad loved him so much when he was the coach..and why Grant was able to get consistent rotation mins as a rookie - on a team that went to ECF.

Watch on YouTube

Grant's strength and quick feet helped him defensively - as well as being a high IQ defender who knows how to read the offensive player to know where he's gonna drive, is disciplined enough to not bite on fakes, is fearless in that he doesn't back down and isn't afraid of defending even the toughest scorers.

You could say all of that same stuff about Horford, Tillman and Watson.

b) Another quote from Brad in the article:

"I want him to come in here with the mindset that he's gonna let it fly like he's never let it fly before," said Stevens. "I think he's a better shooter than he sometimes thinks he is."

I know what you're thinking, Watson isn't that good of a shooter. Well, neither were Al, Grant and Tillman when they first arrived in Boston, as we see here:



Al and Grant both ended up being elite shooters during their time in Boston.

Too soon to tell on Tillman, as he just got here at mid season - still hasn't gone through a full offseason or training camp with the team. But he did show flashes of improved shooting and more confidence in his shooting already since arriving in Boston.

But you look at the shooting development of Al, Grant as well as D-white, Jaylen and others after becoming a Celtic and it's clear that the org is good at developing their players shooting ability.

Watson is already starting off as a decent shooter coming in to Boston..and his shooting improved each year he was at Gonzaga.

Everybody keeps saying that Scheierman is a Hauser replacement. But what about Watson? It kind of seems like he could be a Grant replacement. And possibly (if he doesn't resign with Boston) a Tillman replacement (and even if Tillman does resign, maybe eventually he will get moved i Watson is coming along nicely and is ready for a larger role) and possibly (if things *really* come along nicely with Watson's development) perhaps down the road, he could be a Horford replacement, whenever he decides to retire.

Brad would have been a real jerk if he'd said that about Al, who was a 4x AS in Atlanta, when he first came to Boston. Fortunately, also, he didn't try to make a hybrid forward out of him.