From Rookie to Champion: Drew Peterson Embraces Leadership Role in Second Season With Celtics

PORTLAND, Maine – It’s amazing the difference a year can make.

For Boston Celtics two-way player Drew Peterson, the last year has been a whirlwind to say the least. 

After going undrafted, Peterson's NBA career began with the Miami Heat organization. Peterson was assigned to the team's G League affiliate in Sioux Falls, where he averaged 15.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. In December, the Celtics acquired Peterson's player rights and as they say, the rest is history.

Since then, Peterson has become an NBA Champion with Boston and was instrumental in Maine’s run to the G League Finals. Not bad, but you won’t be seeing Peterson flaunting that championship ring around town.  

"My mom was here, and she took it right down to Florida for safekeeping purposes. It's sitting in my house now in Florida," he laughed.  

Now ahead of his second season in the NBA and G League, Peterson said he feels much more at home both in Boston and in Portland.  

"It's night and day,” he said. “Going from a rookie to a sophomore in this stuff is night and day with the level of comfortability. As you transition to different levels, there's always a year of adapting to different things." 

In 38 games with Maine in 2023-24, Peterson averaged 15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. While he may be just a second year NBA player, Peterson is expected to lead like a veteran in Maine. Peterson played five seasons at USC, and he said stepping up as a leader on and off the floor is important for his development as a pro.  

"I'm trying to help be a primary ball handler for the team. Depending on who is here and who is not, I'm going to have to fill a multitude of roles,” Peterson explained. “Boston expects me to be able to play four different positions on the court, so I'm looking to help in any way that I can."   

The synergy between Boston and Maine is evident. Maine Head Coach Tyler Lashbrook comes to Portland while also maintaining his title as Assistant Coach from Boston. Practices and team culture mimic that of what players see in Boston under Head Coach Joe Mazzulla. Peterson is apart of that continuity as well, often helping coaches explain concepts in practice. That makes it easier for players to know what they need to do to take their game to the next level.  

"Just doing all the right things. Making the right plays,” Peterson explained. “You don't have to score 30 points a game in the G League. You just need to make the right plays, make the right shots and be efficient. It translates. You see guys like Sam Hauser just being efficient and working their way up to being a championship level player."  

The Chicago native has quickly settled in well in New England, despite the constant back and forth that comes with being a two-way player. At any given time, he could be assigned to Boston or to Portland. Peterson said it doesn’t matter if he’s at TD Garden or the Portland Expo, he knows that passion and energy from Celtics fans will always be on display.  

"The fans are so great here just like in Boston. We pack this place out and it's a really great experience. This town supports athletics so much across the board so whether I'm in Boston or here, I know it's going to be similar," Peterson said. 

It’s also easier to settle in when your favorite coffee shop is around almost every corner in New England. Dunkin’ Donuts is part of Peterson’s daily routine, and you’ll often find him with a large, iced coffee courtside at practice.  

"I've always been a Dunkin' guy. I'm from Chicago so there's a good amount of them out there, too. Then, I went to LA for school and there was almost none. Then, I got out here and obviously this is the home of Dunkin', so I was right back into the swing of things." 

Dunkin’ is a part of the gameday routine most mornings for Peterson, who admits he’s not above begging for a partnership with the coffee giant for some free java.  

"Dunkin' if you're listening, let's get a deal done."