Anton Watson Embracing New Home, Role With Celtics
Spencer Martin /January 22, 2025
PORTLAND, Maine. - Celtics Two-Way Player Anton Watson is still adjusting to life in his new home.
Watson was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 54th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft and agreed to a Two-Way Contract. He played 151 games in five seasons with Gonzaga, winning 132 of those contests. He left a lasting legacy with the Bulldogs as the only player in Gonzaga program history to have 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 200 steals in a career.
That versatility is a key reason why Boston selected him in the second round, and it's been on display in Maine. At 6'8, 230 pounds, Watson brings intelligence and toughness to the floor, often interchanging positions from small forward to center. He's been tasked with guarding multiple positions, and has even handled some of the ball carrying duties this season while Maine has dealt with roster movement and injuries.
"In college, I was known for defense and rebounding so I'm trying to bring that to this level. On-ball defense, get through screens, new stuff I didn't have to do as much in college. I do think defense is one of my strengths and I want to keep focusing on rebounding and try to get a double-double every game," Watson said.
Maine Celtics Head Coach Tyler Lashbrook believes Watson has been challenged in multiple ways during his rookie year in Portland. The Celtics have dealt with an abnormal, significant amount of roster fluctuation. Call-ups, injuries, and other transactions have led to multiple variations of a starting lineup from game to game.
"It's been pretty tough. A lot of games, a lot of different players coming in and out. I think it took us a little bit to adjust," Watson said.
Lashbrook praised Watson's ability to always be available, playing in 27 of 29 games for Maine; and his ability to adapt to what the team needs that night.
"He was in a tough spot coming in where he had to learn two different positions. One is where he's more perimeter-oriented playing the four, and the other is playing as a small-ball five," Lashbrook explained. "Those are two different ways to play and so he's done a pretty good job of understanding coverages, what the other team is trying to accomplish, and the solutions he has to beat those coverages. It's a lot for a young guy trying to learn those two things."
It's also a lot to absorb when you're living away from home for the first time in your life. Watson is not only learning a new system on the court, but he's also learning a new part of the country in New England. A native of the Spokane, Washington area, Watson was a hometown product for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He first starred at Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, where Watson won two state titles and was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Washington during his senior season. Watson then stayed in Spokane, playing five seasons for Gonzaga University where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a national title game appearance and multiple conference championships.
As a Two-Way Player, Watson's professional career began in Boston, playing with the team during training camp and preseason play. Since then, he's spent the bulk of the regular season with Boston's G League affiliate in Maine. A two-hour drive separates Watson's new home(s) in Boston and Portland, where the rookie has adjusted to life away from family for the first time.
"It's been pretty tough. First time living on the East Coast. First time living out of Spokane where I pretty much grew up. It's hard, my family isn't very close. It's a six-hour flight to get here," Watson explained. "But I'm trying to get work done, trying to develop and do my best to get better and get to that next level."
Despite growing up in the Northwest, Watson grew up as a fan of some New England sports teams. During his days playing Little League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox erased the curse in dramatic fashion and won the 2024 World Series. Those Boston teams and David 'Big Papi' Ortiz won him over as a Red Sox fan for life. On the hardwood, Watson said his family was split between being Lakers and Celtics fans. Safe to say a couple more family members, including Watson, have leaned more towards Boston in that conversation.
"My family supports me, puts all my faith in me, and that's all I need," he said.
On the court, one of the keys to Watson's development has been his three-point shooting. Watson shot an efficient 41% from beyond the arc in under two attempts per game during his senior season with the Zags. The Celtics are focused on increasing the volume of three-point shots Watson takes and further developing his outside shot.
"For me, this is new. Taking nine threes in a game... I've never done that in college. That's a lot of threes for me. They just encourage me to shoot so that helps me stay confident and let it fly," Watson said after scoring a career-high 25 points against Greensboro on December 7. Watson went 5-for-9 from beyond the arc in that game.
Maine's coaching staff has emphasized the importance of Watson stretching the floor for the Celtics as a shooter. Watson is averaging six shots from deep per game, as the team seeks to instill a confidence that encourages the rookie to never turn down an open shot.
"I think that's the number one thing. Not passing up open looks, the looks we want him to take and be comfortable taking," Lashbrook said. "He's done a good job of doing that and owning that. We have a team that supports each other, where I don't have to be the only one supporting him taking threes; his teammates do, too."
He's also flashed his athleticism driving to the rim from the perimeter. When defenses have rushed out to Watson on the three-point line, he's been able to make them pay, and put a couple defenders on posters along the way.
Watson is averaging 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game for Maine this season. The G League and Maine are a part of Watson's journey to making his NBA dream a reality. In his most recent outing, Watson posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds against Long Island. In that game, Watson went head-to-head against his former college teammate, Drew Timme, who Watson played four seasons with at Gonzaga. Timme was a familiar face from the past, suiting up for the other team at the Portland Expo.
"Drew is a killer. We have seen the numbers he is putting up with them (Long Island). He's a competitor and I'm a competitor. We knew before the game we would go at each other. There's a little smack talk," Watson laughed.
It was a reminder of Watson's journey from Spokane, Washington to Portland, Maine, where the work is just getting started. Maine is currently 6-7 in the regular season and is ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. With over 130 collegiate wins, Watson is no stranger to making winning plays and hopes he can help guide the Celtics in a push for the postseason.
Maine returns to action on Friday, January 24 against the Westchester Knicks. Maine returns home to Portland on Sunday, January 26 against the Osceola Magic.