Brad Stevens explains why C’s Baylor Scheierman, Anton Watson, originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The 2024 NBA Draft is in the books, and it’s been a unique experience for Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens.
His selection of Creighton winger Baylor Scheierman with the 30th overall pick in the draft marked the first time he used a first-round pick since taking over Boston’s front office in 2021.
“My son texted me yesterday, ‘I’m not staying up to watch you trade back, am I?’” Stevens told reporters during his post-draft press conference.
In Round 2, Stevens and the C’s selected Gonzaga forward Anton Watson with the 54th overall pick. Both Scheierman and Watson are 23-year-olds with five collegiate seasons and plenty of NCAA Tournament experience under their belts.
Stevens was asked if it was their maturity and experience that put them on the Celtics’ radar.
“I think you look at what’s available when you’re drafting,” he said. “In the first round we all thought highly of Baylor and were happy that he got down to 30. And in the second round something similar happened with Anton. Those guys are both winning players. They’ve played in a lot of big games .” moments and lots of big games and big environments. They know how to play on both ends of the floor. They are really well coached.
“With these picks, if you’re not picking the top five in the draft, you’re probably not weighing that stuff that highly, right? You’re looking for the best fit, the best player, who can come in and highlight your team and who can grow within your group. They are both young enough and can do that.”
Scheierman averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range last season. He is an excellent shooter who made nearly 40 percent of his 3-pointers on 5.6 attempts per game during his college career.
In addition to his shooting ability, Scheierman impressed Stevens with his physical development in recent years.
“He’s done a good job with his body. He’s done a good job in the weight room,” Stevens said. “He’s always been super competent, super smart and super tough. For example, he is now a basketball player. He knows how to play.”
“I think it’s no surprise that he’s gotten his body to the level he’s been in the last few years and that has translated into his performance in the Big East. He just has a lot of good qualities.”
Watson averaged 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season while shooting 57.8 percent from the floor. He was a great defender for the ‘Zags and finished his career with the second-most steals in school history (215), behind only John Stockton (262).
“I really like him,” Stevens said of Watson. “Anton’s strength and ability to move his feet laterally gives him the opportunity to be one of these big, strong, hybrid forwards who can switch gears and guard a lot of people.
“I want him to come in here thinking he’s going to shoot it like he’s never shot it before, because I think he’s a better shooter than he sometimes thinks he is. And so I’m looking forward to getting him in here in about eight days.”
It will be difficult for Scheierman and Watson to earn spots on the Celtics’ loaded roster. It is likely that both rookies will sign two-way contracts and continue their development in the G League for the Maine Celtics.
C fans should get a chance to see them in action when the NBA Summer League kicks off on July 12 in Las Vegas.
