Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Former Gonzaga Forward Anton Watson Waived by Boston Celtics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Patton | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 5:16 PM ET

Former Gonzaga forward and Spokane legend Anton Watson was waived by the Boston Celtics on Sunday, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.

Watson was signed to a two-way contract with Boston shortly after the draft, but he never got a chance to play with the defending champions, instead spending his entire time with the franchise playing for the Maine Celtics in the G-League.

In 16 games with Maine, Watson played 29.8 minutes per night and averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 46.1% from the field and 33.3% from three on 5.8 attempts per game.

The Boston Celtics have waived two-way player Anton Watson, team says.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) March 2, 2025

Watson starred at Gonzaga Prep in Spokane before joining the Zags as a freshman in 2019-20. All told the Spokane native appeared in 151 games at Gonzaga, playing a key role as a defensive stopper and efficient scorer before breaking out in a major way in 2023-24.

Watson averaged a career-best 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in his final season at Gonzaga, shooting 41.2% from three which caught attention from NBA scouts despite a very small sample size of 1.5 attempts per game.

Still, Boston selected Watson No. 54 overall in the 2024 NBA draft, valuing his 6'8 frame, high level defensive instincts, and believing the outside shot could come around and make him a valuable three-and-D wing in the modern NBA.

Boston doesn't save any money cutting Watson, making this a bit of a curious move for the franchise unless they have someone else in mind for that spot. Perhaps the inconsistent outside shooting is what caused Boston to move on, but either way Watson should find another opportunity in the G-League in short order.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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