The Boston Celtics have made their second and final pick of the 2024 NBA draft at No. 54 overall, taking Gonzaga power forward Anton Watson. A 6-foot-8, 230-lb. swingman who hit 41.2% of his attempts from beyond the arc with the Zags last season, Watson is an older prospect at nearly 24 years old.
If Boston is looking to find a player to approximate some of what veteran big man Al Horford brings to the table, they did well with Watson. The Spokane native can also move the ball well, and can defend well, able to switch 1-5, close out on shooters, and protect the rim some.
He stands 6-foot-7.5 barefoot with a 7-foot wingspan and an 8-foot-9 standing reach and good hands near the rim. Watson can put the ball on the floor at the college level, but it could be a while before he sees the floor until his offense catches up to his defensive acumen.
To get more familiar with his game, check out his highlights in the 2024 NCAA Tournament as his Bulldogs took on UConn, the eventual champs.
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