Staying Ready: Peterson Contributing in Both Boston and Maine

PORTLAND, Maine. - Drew Peterson loves playing at the Portland Expo. 

"The fans are so great here just like in Boston. We pack this place out and it's a really great experience," Peterson said. "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."

After joining the Celtics organization in December 2023, Peterson suited up 38 times for Maine, helping lead the Celtics to their first NBA G League Finals. The second year forward also helped Boston win the 2023-24 NBA Championship. Peterson was expected to take a leap forward in his first full season with the organization, and he's done just that. 

Peterson appeared in just three games for Boston in 2023-24. This season, the Celtics Two-Way Player has already played 11 games with Boston, and 12 with Maine. He's been a part of the 'Stay Ready' group that's lived up to its name in key wins this season.

"My big thing is to fit in as a glue guy. I want to help make everyone's life easier and hold steady with what we are doing out there and make it seamless when I come into the game," Peterson said. 

That 'Stay Ready' slogan was evident on December 1, 2024, in a big game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Peterson recalled Head Coach Joe Mazzulla signaling to the bench, thinking he asked for Jrue Holiday. "Jrue," turned out to be a call for "Drew," and Peterson entered the game for Boston for the first time in 2024. 

"Back during that Cleveland game, I kind of got thrown into the fire. That's what (Joe) Mazzulla is all about. You are told to stay ready and he put me to the test that day and I tried to do whatever I could defensively, make shots, and play off the other guys."

Peterson ended up playing a career-high 25 minutes, scoring eight points, grabbing four rebounds, and recording one steal. The Two-Way player was rewarded with a new career-high 26 minutes the next night in a home victory over the Miami Heat. Again, Peterson delivered with seven points, seven rebounds, and one assist. 

"It's great I was able to get that opportunity and I hope to continue to progress and help out the guys in any way I can."

Peterson brings that experience from Boston to Portland when he suits up for the team's G League affiliate. He scored a new career-high 33 points in November against College Park; and adds another steady hand to help lead the team when with Maine. Overall, Peterson is averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game with the Maine Celtics.

"Going back and forth a lot and being able to see what they do at the big club, knowing you can compete with those guys up there. All those talented guys up there, you try to make their lives easier, so that's what I'm trying to focus on."

It's a unique situation as a basketball player to play the last five minutes of an NBA game one night and then play over 30 minutes in the G League the very next day. Peterson acknowledged sometimes it takes a moment to get the cardio back, but he always enjoys his time playing for Maine. 

"I love the guys out here; love playing with them and I know how to play off all of them."

Celtics fans won't always know if Peterson will be in Maine's starting lineup at the Portland Expo, or if he's back with the 'Stay Ready' group in Boston. He's getting used to playing with both rosters and knows that right now is the perfect point in the season to help both teams get in position for a deep postseason run. 

"We're trying to click at the right time when it really matters and hopefully build a record and get a good spot in the playoffs. A rendition of last season would be a very successful year."

After missing the last three games in concussion protocol, Peterson is set to return for Maine this weekend when they play three homes games in four days, beginning on Thursday at 7 p.m. against College Park.