Crawling to Camp: Which Two-Way Player Will Help the Celtics the Most? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Even in a team like the Boston Celtics which is brimming with depth, the two-way contract can be a valuable asset.
This pact paved the way for Sam Hauser to latch on in Boston as an undrafted rookie in 2021 and then become a key presence in the rotation. Last season, Neemias Queta provided such consistent minutes when Boston’s forward line depth was reduced that he was promoted from a two-way position to the parent list before the title race.
For the 11th part of our Camp access ramp series, we asked our NBC Sports Boston panel to choose the two-way player most likely to have an impact on the Celtics during the 2024-25 season.
(See the the first ten episodes of Ramp to Camp here.)
All three Celtics two-way players entering camp are 2022 second-round picks JD Davison2024 second-round pick Anton Watsonand not written Drew Petersonwho signed a two-way contract with the team last December. All three will spend a large portion of their time with the Maine Celtics, but who is most likely to sneak onto the court during their visits to Boston?
Davison has shown intriguing flashes in his first two seasons with the Celtics and his speed is undeniable, but a loaded guard depth chart on the parent roster obstructs any path to regular playing time. He’s only 21, but time is running out a bit heading into Year 3.
Peterson shot 36.9 percent on 6.1 three-point attempts per game last season in Maine, and while he needs to show he can make the same strides as Hauser on defense, there’s hope the 6-foot-1 wing can eventually follow a similar blueprint to Hauser. He’ll be 25 when the new season begins.
But Boston’s potential need for frontcourt depth makes Watson our pick for the one most likely to be thrown into the NBA fire during the 2024-25 season.
We don’t want to overreact to Summer League, but Watson showed encouraging versatility in Vegas. He has size and can defend multiple positions. He shot 35 percent on four three-point attempts per game in Summer League and averaged 11.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game.
The Celtics need to put Watson in the film room with Al Horford and the veteran will pass on his knowledge. Watson will be 24 before the regular season begins, and with five years of college play at Gonzaga, he might be a little more NBA-ready than most draftees.
When healthy, Boston has a solid top nine. Queta has also proven he can provide solid minutes, while Xavier Tillman should be more comfortable after hanging in the middle of the flow last season. Lonnie Walker IV has proven that he can be a reliable scorer off the bench at the NBA level if he can secure a roster spot.
Jaden Springer, Jordan Walshand recruit Baylor Scheierman all will also be looking to secure a spot on the parent roster, which could limit opportunities for Boston’s two-way players.
Here’s who our panel chose for the two-way player most likely to make an impact:
Jean TomaseColumnistt: Drew Peterson
He considers Derrick White an inspiration and follows Sam Hauser’s path to Boston, so let’s go with Peterson, a 6-9 undrafted bomber who made a splash at Maine last year.
Tom GilesCross-Platform Host: JD Davison
I have to prioritise Davison because of his experience. We have seen a number of players progress steadily and if Davison can do the same he could find his place on the pitch.
Darren HartwellEditor in Chief:Anton Watson
The 23-year-old is a versatile defender with big size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and a good outside shot (41.2 percent from three-point range with Gonzaga last season). It’s a valuable skill set for Joe Mazzulla, who could use Watson as a big in some small-ball lineups.
Nick GossWeb Producer: Drew Peterson
Peterson has a few assets. For starters, he’s a good shooter. He shot 36.7 percent from three-point range with the Maine Celtics last season. Peterson is also 6’1″, which gives the Celtics a bit more positional versatility than J.D. Davison (6’1″).
He’s also a good free-throw shooter (81.5 percent) and was second on the Maine Celtics in rebounding (7.4 per game) last season.
Justin LégerWeb Producer: Drew Peterson
To be clear, I don’t think any of them have a big impact. But since we’re talking about the best CHANCE, I’d go with Peterson. If Sam Hauser were to get hurt, Peterson could have a chance to replace him as the sharpshooter. He shot 37% from three-point range last year with Maine.
Davison is buried on the guard depth chart and Watson needs time to develop. Portland.
Kevin Miller, Vice President, Content: Anton Watson
Probably none of them, but I would say Watson. I think he can play a professional game at a position where there isn’t as much depth.
