Staying Ready and Learning

There’s an element of uncertainty for every NBA rookie. Apart from those drafted in the lottery, playing time is earned, not given, and opportunities come sporadically, in different contexts and at different levels of competition. For Drew Peterson, playing time came in the form of crucial contribution to a G League Finals run. With Maine’s season in the rearview and Boston making its second NBA Finals appearance in three seasons, Peterson has a new opportunity; to absorb every bit of knowledge that comes with playing at the highest level at such a young age. 

After graduating from the University of Southern California, Peterson began his pro career with a Summer League stint on the Miami Heat, eventually landing an Exhibit 10 deal and joining the Sioux Falls Skyforce. A strong start to the G League season quickly earned him a Call-Up with the Boston Celtics—over the course of three months, Peterson moved to Miami, Sioux Falls, and then Portland. Life comes at you fast in this league. 

“It’s been crazy, especially me coming in about halfway through the year. Starting in the G League, finding my way and then in late December transitioning to the Celtics and playing most of the year up in Maine, getting to hunker down in Boston over the last six or seven weeks has been great,” said Peterson. “Being a part of the whole process, working out with the guys in practice, and finishing out the regular season where I was able to get into a few games was cool. Just being a part of everything for the playoffs is a great experience. I’ve been learning a ton practicing with the ‘stay ready’ group.” 

While Peterson does not dress for playoff games as a Two-Way player, he’s gotten a front row seat to the highest level of basketball in the world. The bits of information picked up in observing that high-pressure environment up close are invaluable for a young player. 

“Picking up the minor details is huge. As I watch every playoff game—and I’m fortunate to be there in person and up close,” he added, “seeing every little aspect of what’s needed for a playoff run, and the pros and cons of different schemes and setups and all that. Getting to see firsthand what it takes is really cool and will help me a lot moving forward.” 

As Peterson’s career unfolds, moving from the back seat into the role of a nightly contributor is surely a benchmark to clear. In the past, young players that weren’t in the rotation had little opportunity to develop on-court. With the exponential increase in resources provided by G League teams, Peterson and others before him have been able to showcase their talents at a lower level while honing the specific aspects of their game, physically or skill-wise, that will help them fit in at the next level. 

 “Weight-wise, I ended the season with Maine at 192 pounds and I got up to about 200 pounds already,” the newly muscle-bound Peterson stated. “I’ve got a big lifting a meal plan down here, and the resources are incredible; the facility is awesome, the food and all the other stuff like that. Especially with not having to dress [for playoff games], my primary focus is on getting bigger to be able to match the physicality at the next level. Other than that, I’m cleaning things up to try and be a better ball-handler and help as an on-ball playmaker, and then obviously spot-up shooting. Those are the few biggest things for me moving forward as I try and carve out a role on the team.” 

For players in Maine, there’s a clear pathway to a role in Boston; Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet are prime examples and are still contributing to the Celtics’ success to this day. Juwan Morgan latched on for the 2021-22 Finals run after a productive season in Maine, Neemias Queta worked himself up from a Two-Way to a standard NBA deal this year, and Jordan Walsh spent nearly his entire rookie season developing in Maine.  

Peterson fully recognizes that Boston’s front office gives its G Leaguers a clear pathway to success, and a willingness to adapt given what the situation calls for is a part of that pathway. Since leaving Maine—where he was a top scoring option, secondary playmaker and active rebounder—Peterson has shifted his mindset to fit the moment. 

“I try to be as fluid as possible regarding my role; being versatile, doing a little bit of everything, contributing in any way. My role is a lot different on the court with Maine than it would be with Boston. Just finding any way I can impact the game has always been my thing, whether that’s spot-up shooting, playing defense or coming off ball screens,” Peterson said. “Whatever the group on the court needs, I’ll try and provide. So, to be down here and see other guys who went through the same process I did, like Sam Hauser for example, has been great. To see both ends of it and now adjust to how things might be going forward with Summer League and preseason, where roles could differ. It’s great to see all of that here.” 

Hauser, Kornet and others set the example, and Peterson is doing everything he can to follow it. An increase in on-court responsibility is a key component of player development, and Peterson handled that in stride with Maine. Witnessing the rigors of playoff basketball, and the mentality needed to fight through the lows and stay grounded during the highs is truly incomparable. Only two teams make it this far each season—everyone else in the league takes it in from their couch. Peterson is fortunate to experience it as a rookie and does not take it for granted. 

“It’s incredible. We’ve been fortunate to get this little layoff and allow guys to rest up. But what the guys are willing to do down the stretch stands out, especially a guy like Jrue Holiday and the number of huge plays he’s made late in games. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a step-back three, just make all the right reads. You’ve got guys like JT, JB and Derrick White, who complement each other well and then everyone has a clearly defined role. It’s great to see how everyone can contribute to winning and be leaders.” 

In a short time as an NBA player, Peterson has already been a leader and contributed to winning with the Maine Celtics. Replicating that success with Boston is a challenging next step, but Peterson will make sure he’s prepared.