The Boston Celtics selected Anton Watson with the 54th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Watson initially impressed for the Celtics during the Las Vegas Summer League, but struggled to carry that production over into the regular season.
Despite being with Boston on a two-way deal, the rookie never suited up for Joe Mazzulla’s squad. Watson was waived by Boston midway through the season. He ultimately landed with the New York Knicks, but once again failed to secure a long-term spot on the roster despite making nine appearances.
Now, entering his second year as a professional, the Los Angeles Lakers have extended Watson a lifeline, offering him a training camp deal. The offer likely represents an Exhibit 10 that the Lakers will use to funnel Watson to the South Bay Lakers G League team.
Watson, a talented forward who can pass, screen and shoot the ball from multiple levels, impressed during his tenure with Gonzaga. However, his lack of athletic burst and genuine size means he will likely bounce around the NBA until he figures out how he can impact games at a high level.
Watson Isn’t The Only Former Celtic In Los Angeles
While Watson never got the opportunity to call Marcus Smart his teammate, he will team up with the former Boston fan-favorite in the coming weeks. Smart joined JJ Redick’s roster after the Washington Wizards bought out his contract
Smart left the Celtics as part of the three-team trade that landed Kristaps Porzingis with the franchise. Unfortunately for the former Defensive Player of the Year, he has struggled with injuries since leaving the TD Garden. Nevertheless, Smart will undoubtedly be hoping to improve the Lakers‘ defense and return to the playoffs for the first time since leaving the Celtics.
After all, Smart’s biggest asset is his ability to lock down opposing teams’ best players while also operating as a glue guy between multiple All-Star-level forwards.
Celtics Could Get Jayson Tatum Back This Season
While two former Celtics will be gearing up for training camp with Boston’s bitter rivals, those within the organization will be quietly confident of getting Jayson Tatum back on the court before the end of the season. Tatum suffered an Achilles tendon tear when facing the New York Knicks during the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
On Saturday, September 27, Tatum sent Celtics fans into overdrive when he released a YouTube video showing him working out on the court. The All-NBA forward could be seen jogging, working on his shot and going through some movement drills with the coaching staff.
Celtics fans have endured a difficult summer. They have seen multiple key members of the 2024 championship roster move elsewhere in the NBA. Couple that with Smart landing with the Lakers, and it’s clear why Tatum’s latest update was such a big moment for the fan base.
There’s still no guarantee Tatum will be back on the court this season. However, his latest workout video shows that he’s drastically ahead of schedule. If he receives clearance to play, Boston could still mount a strong campaign, although they’re unlikely to emerge as shock contenders, at least for the upcoming season.
Former Celtics Draft Pick Joins Lakers’ Training Camp Roster