4 things to know about Celtics second-round pick Antone Watson

Watson finished with over 1,400 points, 700 rebounds and 200 assists in college, with only Hall of Famer John Stockton recording more steals than Watson (215) during his time with the Bulldogs.

During Watson’s five seasons with Gonzaga, the Bulldogs made four trips to the Sweet 16, including an appearance in the national championship game in 2021.

Watson’s strengths revolve around defense and finishing

While Boston has clearly prioritized 3-point shooting with the selection of Shearman in the first round, the Celtics are counting on Watson’s defensive upside as a value add with pick No. 54.

Watson’s length (6-foot-8, 7-foot wingspan) allowed him to develop into a consistent on-ball defender during his time in college, along with that high motor that hopefully justified that. Can translate to the next level in time.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer said of Watson in his 2024 NBA Draft guide, “Versatile defender who spent time guarding everyone from Zack Eddy to small guards.” “Even though he’s quite big, he moves like a wing himself when navigating the screen, so he should have positional range at the next level as well. Talented rim protector thanks to his feel, fundamentals and length.

O’Connor compared Watson’s game to “shades of old Al Horford”, noting his ability to guard both forwards and guards alike and his natural feel for the offensive game.

Even though Watson doesn’t have the variety in his overall offensive toolkit, he had the ability to convert at the rim with the Bulldogs. He shot 57.8 percent from the field last season – good for third overall in the WCC – and finished his college career with a 58.6 percent field goal percentage over five seasons.

He has room to grow offensively

It is certain that Watson’s ability to convert the ball into goals will be affected at the next level.

As such, the 23-year-old wing will need to round out his overall skill set on offense if he wants to remain in the NBA ranks.

Unlike Shearman, Watson was not a threat at all from 3-point range during college, hitting only 30.7 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in five seasons at Gonzaga.

It should be noted that he has improved in that department throughout his career, hitting 41.2 percent of his 3-pointers on 1.5 attempts per game in 2023-24.

Add in the fact that Watson converted only 62.7 percent of his free throws at Gonzaga, and this versatile forward will need to make a concerted effort to develop his overall game in the coming years.

As interesting as he may be on the defensive side of the ball, the Celtics can’t use him as a regular rotation player if he can’t provide much on the other end of the court.

He has signed with Lil Wayne’s sports agency

In the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Draft, Watson signed with Young Money APAA Sports, a sports agency group founded by rapper Lil Wayne.

According to the agency’s website, Young Money APAA provides “a comprehensive suite of services, including contract negotiations, marketing and advocacy opportunities, financial planning, legal assistance and career guidance.”

Young Money APAA’s past clients include Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman and former NBA big man Willie Cauley-Stein.