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

[phincsfan]

I was definitely on the Watson wagon, but it obviously didn’t click for him in green. I will say that if there was one criticism I had about Watson was what I perceived as his lack of any type of enthusiasm. Now, that’s just some people’s make-up in general and they have a fire but don’t really show it.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say he’s really a west coast boy at heart and being in Maine or Boston just wasn’t his thing. If so I give Stevens some credit for giving him a chance to catch on somewhere else. He’s not a bad player and he has a clue.

Does DA go 3 for 3 with Svi, Springer and Anton ??

[ParticleMan]

like with so many forwards it's all about the 3-ball, and 31% is not what you want to see. maybe he will develop over time but no point waiting, it's not like he has some elite nba-level skill. we replace him with norris who shoots almost 40% and is more athletic, its a no brainer. gl anton.

[cl2117]

Felt like his only chance at making it was if he could come in and be a "glue guy" and in those circumstances either you've got "it" or you don't. He's got a bit of everything but not standout at any one aspect in particular, so it's really all got to come together otherwise the sum of the parts isn't enough to stick.

This article about him being a "Skeleton Key" player got me super hyped on his potential:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/anton-watson-is-this-years-skeleton

Especially given how talented the rest of our roster was it felt like it could be a really good marriage. He doesn't need to be elite at any one skillset as long as he could be passable at all of them. Play good switchable defense, keep the ball moving, respectable three, high energy etc. When you list it out like that it does seem like a lot to ask but the bar in each area isn't necessarily all that high. Be a guy who can "fill the space" between more talented players and it ultimately elevates your game (Derrick White is the epitome of this on our current roster).

Given time to get up to speed at the next level he might reach that potential eventually because he does seem to have that broad set of skills, but he's not there yet. So it's probably right to cut bait because it's going to take time/minutes to develop that and we don't have either for him really.

I was pretty devastated that Quinten Post, who was my 2nd round binkie, got snagged two picks before we got Anton. But I got on the Watson train and was hoping he could eventually be that "skeleton key" guy for us. Wish him the best of luck, hope he gets there eventually.

[165bows]

Felt like his only chance at making it was if he could come in and be a "glue guy" and in those circumstances either you've got "it" or you don't. He's got a bit of everything but not standout at any one aspect in particular, so it's really all got to come together otherwise the sum of the parts isn't enough to stick.

This article about him being a "Skeleton Key" player got me super hyped on his potential:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/anton-watson-is-this-years-skeleton

Especially given how talented the rest of our roster was it felt like it could be a really good marriage. He doesn't need to be elite at any one skillset as long as he could be passable at all of them. Play good switchable defense, keep the ball moving, respectable three, high energy etc. When you list it out like that it does seem like a lot to ask but the bar in each area isn't necessarily all that high. Be a guy who can "fill the space" between more talented players and it ultimately elevates your game (Derrick White is the epitome of this on our current roster).

Given time to get up to speed at the next level he might reach that potential eventually because he does seem to have that broad set of skills, but if he's not there yet. So it's probably right to cut bait because it's going to take time/minutes to develop that and we don't have either for him really.

I was pretty devastated that Quinten Post, who was my 2nd round binkie, got snagged two picks before we got Anton. But I got on the Watson train and was hoping he could eventually be that "skeleton key" guy for us. Wish him the best of luck, hope he gets there eventually.

Ha me too I loved that article lol. Based on his stats he wasn't awful for Maine but wasn't good either for a 24 year old guy. Also I think he might have gotten fat but that's a bit of speculation.

Post has played decently is that right?

[celtxman]

I did think it was surprising he never got to the big club during the season. I liked him like everyone else during SL, but apparently he was mediocre in G League

[cl2117]

Felt like his only chance at making it was if he could come in and be a "glue guy" and in those circumstances either you've got "it" or you don't. He's got a bit of everything but not standout at any one aspect in particular, so it's really all got to come together otherwise the sum of the parts isn't enough to stick.

This article about him being a "Skeleton Key" player got me super hyped on his potential:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/anton-watson-is-this-years-skeleton

Especially given how talented the rest of our roster was it felt like it could be a really good marriage. He doesn't need to be elite at any one skillset as long as he could be passable at all of them. Play good switchable defense, keep the ball moving, respectable three, high energy etc. When you list it out like that it does seem like a lot to ask but the bar in each area isn't necessarily all that high. Be a guy who can "fill the space" between more talented players and it ultimately elevates your game (Derrick White is the epitome of this on our current roster).

Given time to get up to speed at the next level he might reach that potential eventually because he does seem to have that broad set of skills, but if he's not there yet. So it's probably right to cut bait because it's going to take time/minutes to develop that and we don't have either for him really.

I was pretty devastated that Quinten Post, who was my 2nd round binkie, got snagged two picks before we got Anton. But I got on the Watson train and was hoping he could eventually be that "skeleton key" guy for us. Wish him the best of luck, hope he gets there eventually.

Ha me too I loved that article lol. Based on his stats he wasn't awful for Maine but wasn't good either for a 24 year old guy. Also I think he might have gotten fat but that's a bit of speculation.

Post has played decently is that right?

Yeah Post has been a stud recently for Warriors. +40% from three on 4 attempts per game but he's also still a 7 foot traffic cone on defense, but I'd take that with the 52nd pick all day every day. He's kind of like the late stage Brooke Lopez just in a body that 10+ years younger. BC guy so had a special place in my heart.

My other guy in the 1st round was Kyle Filipowski who was trash to start the year but has gone on a bit of a tear recently. Also an absolute speed bump defensively, but another guy who looks like he can shoot the long-ball. Was bummed we went Schierman over him and have occasionally been box score watching hoping he didn't turn a corner (or at least wasn't outplaying Baylor).

Was really keen on us getting a poor man's KP given how he broke down in the playoffs but sadly neither landed with us. Hoping Brad can find either that or a Horford type with his two cracks at the apple this year's draft.

[Gant]

I did think it was surprising he never got to the big club during the season. I liked him like everyone else during SL, but apparently he was mediocre in G League

He wasn't bad, but Watson was just another guy in Maine's rotation. Enaruna is just as good with equal upside. Watson contributed no more than Scrubb or Schakel. He was pretty much an average G league player.

By contrast Scheierman, Davison and Peterson could all take over games. Ward routinely had more impact. Watson's biggest drawbacks are being small for his position, not particularly energetic, and not a great shooter, which is a bad combination.

Having said all that, I hope he improves and makes it, though I suspect that is more likely to happen in Europe.

[165bows]

I did think it was surprising he never got to the big club during the season. I liked him like everyone else during SL, but apparently he was mediocre in G League

He wasn't bad, but Watson was just another guy in Maine's rotation. Enaruna is just as good with equal upside. Watson contributed no more than Scrubb or Schakel. He was pretty much an average G league player.

By contrast Scheierman, Davison and Peterson could all take over games. Ward routinely had more impact. Watson's biggest drawbacks are being small for his position, not particularly energetic, and not a great shooter, which is a bad combination.

Having said all that, I hope he improves and makes it, though I suspect that is more likely to happen in Europe.

That was my impression as well seeing him for maine and in SL, just not an energetic looking guy on the court. He had good hands for strip steals so maybe that worked in his favor on the smaller college court but was de-emphasized as an advantage in the pros.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Coming up next:
JD Davison Appreciation Thread
Juhan Begarin Appreciation Thread
Yam Madar Appreciation Thread
Jordan Walsh Appreciation Thread

I holding out on Rico for now... Maybe Stevens should trade up in the Draft for a change?

[31to6]

Coming up next:
JD Davison Appreciation Thread
Juhan Begarin Appreciation Thread
Yam Madar Appreciation Thread
Jordan Walsh Appreciation Thread

I holding out on Rico for now... Maybe Stevens should trade up in the Draft for a change?

Selling stock on Juhann Begarin island isn't something I'm ready to do
And I really want Walsh to get at least one of these insane dunks down before he leaves Boston
The Yam thread activity is inversely proportional to how many championships we win so I hope it stays dormant for awhile:)

[brackdan70]

Coming up next:
JD Davison Appreciation Thread
Juhan Begarin Appreciation Thread
Yam Madar Appreciation Thread
Jordan Walsh Appreciation Thread

I holding out on Rico for now... Maybe Stevens should trade up in the Draft for a change?

Walsh is going to break out I tell you!!!!

[phincsfan]

He reminds me of Grant alot. Good motor, smart, soft hands, nose for the ball, strong and reliable. My only issue with Grant was his size. If Watson can develop into Grant but at 6'8" I wouldn't blink when his contract comes a calling.

I don't think it's necessarily being passive, I think SL is definitely a whole new world for him. He played 5 seasons at Gonzaga which is one of the best programs in the country with arguably the best college coach right now. Could be he's used to a system and not just "going for his", like many SL players.

Little snapple fact for Watson. Out of the entire draft class, he's played the most games with the same college program (151). IMO, he's used to a certain type of play.

I really think the NBA game will suit Watson very well. Spacing does wonders for players. He'll get pushed around a little but they all do in the beginning. If he gets dumped in Maine for most of the season I'll be disappointed.

Anton Watson could be a Jeopardy famous name in 20 years.

I was drafted one pick before Lebron James son in the 2024 NBA draft?

Post draft and during the SL comments I made about Watson. Still surprised that he was waived.

There was a video with Stevens talking about Watson and his thoughts and plans for him in Maine. Brad made it a point to say that he wanted him to shoot the 3ball alot. So the staff had a plan and expectations for him.

Only two 2nd rounders from this draft have been waived during the season, Tristen Newton and Watson. Newton was waived 1/1 and was claimed on 1/3.

A bunch of 2nd rounders signed regular contracts prior to the season and a few had their 2ways converted to regular contracts.

A couple are still on their 2ways.

This is the second C's player who was having a pretty good season to get waived, the other was Ron Harper Jr. That was very surprising because he looked very good at times.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that maybe the roster situation and the specific plan the staff had for players may have played a part in these decisions by the organization.

Watson was not a 3 point shooter in college. He's taken more 3 pointers in 37 games this year for Maine than he has in the 5 years and 216 games he played at Gonzaga. 214 vs 204. Maybe he didn't buy in to that change.

It's not easy to teach an old dog new tricks. When your 23 years old and the next option is the NBA and a team calls you at the 54th slot and says "Anton, we liked your work-out with us and we think you could be a stretch 4. What do you think?" That kid is going to say "absolutely coach". Well, maybe playing on the otherside of the country and not exactly liking the role you're expected to play was starting to show its head.

I know I'm making more out of something because it's a 2nd round pick who's playing in the G league, but maybe this is something to pay attention to when a certain playing style and culture are trying to be developed. Something to pay attention to when draft workouts are announced to see how those players can fit and how the staff may like them to fit.

Teams have expectations for their rookie players and rookie players have expectations for themselves. Teams want to win and rookie players want to have a career in the NBA.

[Celts17Pride]

Coming up next:
JD Davison Appreciation Thread
Juhan Begarin Appreciation Thread
Yam Madar Appreciation Thread
Jordan Walsh Appreciation Thread

I holding out on Rico for now... Maybe Stevens should trade up in the Draft for a change?

Trust me, there will be a Rico Appreciation Thread.

[Gant]

The Celtics made this move because they'd given up on Watson, not because they really wanted Norris.

Gary Washburn:

Boston made a minor roster move Sunday, releasing former second-round pick Anton Watson from his two-way contract and signing G League veteran Miles Norris, who played with the Memphis Hustle. According to a team source, it’s not that the Celtics were particularly enthralled with Norris, who is 24, but they were ready to give him a long look.

Norris shot 39.5 percent from the 3-point line in 22 games for the Hustle. Watson shot 30.8 percent from three for Maine. The Celtics were disappointed with Watson’s development, especially being 24 and a four-year player at Gonzaga, and decided he was not likely going to make any long-term contributions to the big club.

Considering that Joe Mazzulla has given fellow two-way players Drew Peterson and JD Davison spot duty in key moments the past few weeks but passed on playing Watson, it was apparent they were not optimistic about his future. And because of a collective bargaining agreement rule, Watson cannot remain with G League Maine. He’ll have to find a new team.

[Hal14]

Coming up next:
JD Davison Appreciation Thread
Juhan Begarin Appreciation Thread
Yam Madar Appreciation Thread
Jordan Walsh Appreciation Thread

I holding out on Rico for now... Maybe Stevens should trade up in the Draft for a change?

What about Hauser (UDFA), Pritchard (26th pick but was projected to go in the 32-42 range) and Time Lord (27th pick) ?

D-white was the 29th pick. Isaiah Thomas was the 60th pick, Kornet was undrafted - so was Austin Reaves, Max Strus, Fred Vanvleet..Jokic was the 41st pick, Draymond 35th pick, bane 30th pick, jimmy butler 30th pick, jalen brunson 33rd pick..

You don't have to trade into the top 22 picks to find talent. It's about scouting, player development and a little bit of luck.

[165bows]

The Celtics made this move because they'd given up on Watson, not because they really wanted Norris.

Gary Washburn:

Boston made a minor roster move Sunday, releasing former second-round pick Anton Watson from his two-way contract and signing G League veteran Miles Norris, who played with the Memphis Hustle. According to a team source, it’s not that the Celtics were particularly enthralled with Norris, who is 24, but they were ready to give him a long look.

Norris shot 39.5 percent from the 3-point line in 22 games for the Hustle. Watson shot 30.8 percent from three for Maine. The Celtics were disappointed with Watson’s development, especially being 24 and a four-year player at Gonzaga, and decided he was not likely going to make any long-term contributions to the big club.

Considering that Joe Mazzulla has given fellow two-way players Drew Peterson and JD Davison spot duty in key moments the past few weeks but passed on playing Watson, it was apparent they were not optimistic about his future. And because of a collective bargaining agreement rule, Watson cannot remain with G League Maine. He’ll have to find a new team.

Could be easy to be unmotivated these days for a guy like that imo. Between NIL and a handful of two-ways and NBA minimum deals, these guys can be millionaires without ever even really cracking into the league.

Not sure if that's the case here or he just wasn't good enough, but I want to find some more G league clips as I'm curious/suspicious if he picked up some more padding on those Portland restaurants.

[Hal14]

This is the second C's player who was having a pretty good season to get waived, the other was Ron Harper Jr. That was very surprising because he looked very good at times.

We did not waive Harper Jr mid-season. He was simply on a regular G league contract with our Maine team. He was not on a 2-way or a standard contract with Boston.

Therefore, throughout the whole season, he was free to leave at any time if another team offered him a 2-way or standard contract..which is what happened, I believe it was Detroit who gave him a 2-way, so he left Maine.

Watson was not a 3 point shooter in college. He's taken more 3 pointers in 37 games this year for Maine than he has in the 5 years and 216 games he played at Gonzaga. 214 vs 204. Maybe he didn't buy in to that change.

It's not easy to teach an old dog new tricks. When your 23 years old and the next option is the NBA and a team calls you at the 54th slot and says "Anton, we liked your work-out with us and we think you could be a stretch 4. What do you think?" That kid is going to say "absolutely coach". Well, maybe playing on the otherside of the country and not exactly liking the role you're expected to play was starting to show its head.

Well, I think they were hoping for a somewhat similar outcome as Grant Williams. Grant was not a shooter in college either. But he shot 36% from 3 in his 2nd NBA season and 40% from 3 in his 3rd season.

I think Brad thought they could have another Grant Williams here if they could develop Watson's shooting. A Grant Williams at a much cheaper price, and without the antics that Grant brought to the table (complaining to refs too much, Gorman said no one liked that guy, I'ma make em both, etc.)

I get it, Watson wasn't shooting great this season in the G. But Grant only shot like 26% from 3 his rookie year. He missed his first 25 threes. But they stuck with him, developed him, were patient with him. We also had a different team back then, though. Grant was needed for rotation mins as a rookie because our team back then had injuries, we weren't as deep and talented as we are now. So he was able to earn playing time with the big club, even while shooting under 30% from 3.

Grant was also like 3 yrs younger than Watson as a rookie.

So it goes to show, with older prospects, you've got to be ready to play and produce sooner. And also, there's a shorter leash and less opportunity to earn mins for a guy picked this late in the draft - Watson 54th pick, rather than Grant who was like the 21st pick.

But I think they just took the swing on Watson..very little risk with a pick that late in the draft..

They thought Grant became a shooter here when he wasn't in college, Al wasn't a shooter before he got to Boston, neither was Derrick. Tatum and Brown weren't good shooters before getting to Boston. Jrue had a career year shooting from the corners when he got to Boston. Brogdon shot better after he got here.

They thought they could develop Watson's shooting.

But like Banton, Springer, Svi, Brissett and Lamar Stevens, if they're not hitting shots, Brad will show them the door.

[playa-hater]

Felt like his only chance at making it was if he could come in and be a "glue guy" and in those circumstances either you've got "it" or you don't. He's got a bit of everything but not standout at any one aspect in particular, so it's really all got to come together otherwise the sum of the parts isn't enough to stick.

This article about him being a "Skeleton Key" player got me super hyped on his potential:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/anton-watson-is-this-years-skeleton

Especially given how talented the rest of our roster was it felt like it could be a really good marriage. He doesn't need to be elite at any one skillset as long as he could be passable at all of them. Play good switchable defense, keep the ball moving, respectable three, high energy etc. When you list it out like that it does seem like a lot to ask but the bar in each area isn't necessarily all that high. Be a guy who can "fill the space" between more talented players and it ultimately elevates your game (Derrick White is the epitome of this on our current roster).

Given time to get up to speed at the next level he might reach that potential eventually because he does seem to have that broad set of skills, but if he's not there yet. So it's probably right to cut bait because it's going to take time/minutes to develop that and we don't have either for him really.

I was pretty devastated that Quinten Post, who was my 2nd round binkie, got snagged two picks before we got Anton. But I got on the Watson train and was hoping he could eventually be that "skeleton key" guy for us. Wish him the best of luck, hope he gets there eventually.

Ha me too I loved that article lol. Based on his stats he wasn't awful for Maine but wasn't good either for a 24 year old guy. Also I think he might have gotten fat but that's a bit of speculation.

Post has played decently is that right?

Yeah Post has been a stud recently for Warriors. +40% from three on 4 attempts per game but he's also still a 7 foot traffic cone on defense, but I'd take that with the 52nd pick all day every day. He's kind of like the late stage Brooke Lopez just in a body that 10+ years younger. BC guy so had a special place in my heart.

My other guy in the 1st round was Kyle Filipowski who was trash to start the year but has gone on a bit of a tear recently. Also an absolute speed bump defensively, but another guy who looks like he can shoot the long-ball. Was bummed we went Schierman over him and have occasionally been box score watching hoping he didn't turn a corner (or at least wasn't outplaying Baylor).

Was really keen on us getting a poor man's KP given how he broke down in the playoffs but sadly neither landed with us. Hoping Brad can find either that or a Horford type with his two cracks at the apple this year's draft.

I was Big on getting Kyle Filipowski as well. Not really bummed for Baylor but Kyle seemed like the best talent-fit-need all rolled into one based on what was available to us. Offensively at least, he can do many things quite well. I am hoping that this year's draft has some similar talents and skill-sets and we get one of them.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Coming up next:
JD Davison Appreciation Thread
Juhan Begarin Appreciation Thread
Yam Madar Appreciation Thread
Jordan Walsh Appreciation Thread

I holding out on Rico for now... Maybe Stevens should trade up in the Draft for a change?

What about Hauser (UDFA), Pritchard (26th pick but was projected to go in the 32-42 range) and Time Lord (27th pick) ?

D-white was the 29th pick. Isaiah Thomas was the 60th pick, Kornet was undrafted - so was Austin Reaves, Max Strus, Fred Vanvleet..Jokic was the 41st pick, Draymond 35th pick, bane 30th pick, jimmy butler 30th pick, jalen brunson 33rd pick..

You don't have to trade into the top 22 picks to find talent. It's about scouting, player development and a little bit of luck.

Sure Hal, you can definitely find impactful and All Star players late in the First Round and the Second Round,
Jokic (46 I think) is the best example of this, but the vast majority of second rounders (70 percent or so) are NBA washouts. Much easier to come up with a talent earlier in the Draft. Take Rasheer Fleming, seems like he can be a quality NBA PF, but Tankathon
has him at 22. If Stevens wants him, they are going to have to move up...

Personally, I think the Celtics may luck out and be able to grab Boogie and Karaban with their two picks... and that will be a
very solid Draft.

[redslastlaugh]

If your draft philosophy is “shooting with size” I don’t see how you’d ever take IT, though.

IT is a great example of drafting for outlier talent rather than a particular archetype. Most of the great steals in the last ten years are outlier talents who overcame their size, athleticism, or some other weakness in their game to become impact players. But if you exclude everyone with a size or shooting deficiency, you’ll probably never roll the dice on the chance of an Isaiah Thomas

Of the guys you listed I could only see Brad Stevens drafting Bane, Reaves, Strus and Derrick White. I think he’d pass on Rob because of shooting, Pritchard, VanVleet because of size/defense, Jimmy for shooting/character, Jokic for defense, Brunson for size, etc etc.

If your box of draft eligible players only includes shooters with size then you will by definition pass on other types of prospects

What about Hauser (UDFA), Pritchard (26th pick but was projected to go in the 32-42 range) and Time Lord (27th pick) ?

D-white was the 29th pick. Isaiah Thomas was the 60th pick, Kornet was undrafted - so was Austin Reaves, Max Strus, Fred Vanvleet..Jokic was the 41st pick, Draymond 35th pick, bane 30th pick, jimmy butler 30th pick, jalen brunson 33rd pick..

You don't have to trade into the top 22 picks to find talent. It's about scouting, player development and a little bit of luck.