After all the winningest participant on this draft class (132-19, .874 profitable proportion in his 5 seasons with Gonzaga) was picked up by the defending NBA champions. The Boston Celtics determined to take Anton Watson with the 54th decide within the 2024 NBA Draft.
There was plenty of chatter that Watson snuck up draft boards these final couple of days as he was anticipated to go undrafted. Brad Stevens is one sensible dude for pulling the set off. He makes an excellent higher normal supervisor than head coach which is saying so much.
It’s one thing about defending champions choosing Gonzaga gamers. In 2023, the Denver Nuggets took Julian Strawther with the twenty ninth decide. NBA scouts and normal managers can respect how they had been coached underneath Mark Few and their seriousness when engaged on their craft. Watson has improved upon his sport every season in Spokane and can make a wonderful all-around participant on the subsequent stage.
The Boston fanbase goes to fall in love with the 6’8 ahead. Watson’s versatility as an on-ball defender stands out essentially the most as he can guard all 5 positions. He’s additionally a savvy passer and offensive submit presence. Watson performs with a ton of depth and coronary heart.
No less than one participant from Gonzaga has been chosen within the NBA Draft since 2021. This marks the thirty first Gonzaga participant to get drafted in program historical past. I’m certain Watson can be spending fairly a little bit of time within the G-League however he’s going to study so much from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown when up with the massive membership.
The one upsetting factor about immediately was the truth that ESPN didn’t give Anton Watson extra love throughout his draft second. They appeared much more targeted on the protection of Bronny James going to the Lakers which has simply been overplayed by means of out this complete draft course of.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga College graduate from the Bay Space… Comply with him on Twitter @a_cravalho