With 21 games left in the regular season, the Boston Celtics are sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference. The reigning champions are not too worried about seeding at this point as they are eight games behind the No.1 seed, the Cavaliers, and three games ahead of the No. 3 seed, the Knicks. They will be more interested in heading into the playoffs fully healthy and playing well.
GM Brad Stevens has been putting on the final touches to the roster for the final stretch of the season. The Celtics still have an open roster spot that they will be looking to fill before the end of the regular season. Earlier in the week, they released rookie forward Anton Watson and signed Miles Norris to a two-way contract. Watson didn't waste any time finding a new team, however.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that he was claimed off waivers by the New York Knicks. The 24-year-old forward will continue to be on a two-way deal.
The New York Knicks are claiming former Celtics forward Anton Watson on a two-way NBA deal, his agents Adie von Gontard and Daveed Cohen of Young Money APAA tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 4, 2025
NBA News: Former Celtic Anton Watson Signs With the Knicks
After five seasons at Gonzaga, Watson was the 54th-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a two-way wing with a decent size and a shooting ability, he was the prototypical Celtics pick. He spent most of his rookie season in Maine in the G League, but his shot hasn't been falling all season. He will now look to establish his career on another Eastern Conference contender.
The Knicks are one of the most top-heavy teams in the league. They have an excellent starting lineup, but their depth beyond that is highly questionable. They are also a cash-strapped team. So, they are looking for cheap and young contributors as they round out the roster for the postseason and beyond.
Watson is more likely to get a chance and make his NBA debut with the Knicks, but whether he will have a long career in the NBA remains to be seen.