Anton Watson’s Stunning Move: Knicks Snag Former Celtics Star Off Waivers!
In a surprising turn of events, the New York Knicks have successfully acquired former Boston Celtics player Anton Watson off waivers, marking a significant addition to their roster as they gear up for a playoff push. This move comes just days after the Celtics decided to waive Watson following their victory over the Denver Nuggets on March 2, 2025. The Knicks’ acquisition underscores their commitment to enhancing their squad with young talent, as they currently sit with a strong record of 40-20, just 2.5 games behind the Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Background of the Move
Anton Watson, who was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, had been signed to a two-way contract with the Celtics, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and their G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. His time with the Celtics was marked by flashes of potential, but ultimately, the organization decided to part ways with him in favor of bringing in Miles Norris to fill the roster spot left vacant by Watson’s departure.
Watson’s collegiate career at Gonzaga was impressive, where he played five seasons and started every game in his final two years. His performance there contributed significantly to his draft selection and subsequent interest from multiple teams. During his time in the G-League this season, Watson averaged 12 points and 5.4 rebounds per game over 16 appearances, showcasing his ability to contribute at a professional level.
Details of the Acquisition
The Knicks’ signing of Watson was first reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania, who highlighted its importance in the current NBA landscape. This strategic move reflects the Knicks’ ongoing strategy to develop young talent and add depth to their roster, especially after the recent departures of Matt Ryan and Jacob Toppin. Watson joins fellow two-way players MarJon Beauchamp and Kevin McCullar Jr., indicating a clear commitment from the Knicks to nurture emerging players and build a competitive team.
- Acquisition Date: March 2, 2025
- Previous Team: Boston Celtics
- New Team: New York Knicks
- Contract Type: Two-way deal
- G-League Performance: 12 points, 5.4 rebounds per game
Anticipation and Expectations
The transition of Watson to the Knicks has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. Many are eager to see how he will fit into the Knicks’ system and contribute to their success as they aim for a strong playoff run. The Knicks’ front office is optimistic about Watson’s potential impact, believing he can develop into a key player in their rotation. His previous experience and skills demonstrated at Gonzaga make him a valuable asset as the Knicks look to solidify their playoff positioning.
Quotes from Key Figures
In a recent interview, Knicks General Manager stated, “We believe Anton has the potential to grow and become a significant contributor to our team. His experience at Gonzaga and performance in the G-League show that he has the talent and work ethic we value.”
On the other side, a Celtics spokesperson commented on Watson’s waiver, saying, “We appreciate Anton’s contributions during his time with us and wish him the best in New York. This decision was made with the team’s future in mind.”
Conclusion
The Knicks’ acquisition of Anton Watson marks a pivotal moment in their season as they continue their quest for playoff success. By bringing in a promising young talent who has shown his capabilities in college and the G-League, the Knicks are not only enhancing their roster but also investing in the future. With Watson now on board, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how he integrates into the team and what impact he will have as the postseason approaches. The NBA landscape is ever-changing, and this move could be a stepping stone for Watson in his professional career, as well as a crucial piece for the Knicks in their playoff ambitions.
As the Knicks strive to close the gap on the Celtics, the addition of Watson could very well be the spark they need to elevate their game and make a deep playoff run.
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