Brad Stevens explains why the C’s drafted Baylor Scheerman and Anton Watson originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston.
The 2024 NBA Draft is over, and it was a unique experience for Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens.
His selection of Creighton University wing Baylor Scheerman with the 30th overall pick marked his first use of a first-round pick since taking over as head of Boston’s front office in 2021.
“My son texted me yesterday and said, ‘There’s no way I’d stay up late watching you get traded back,'” Stevens told reporters during his post-draft press conference.
In the second round, Stevens and the Celtics selected Gonzaga forward Anton Watson with the 54th overall pick. Both Shierman and Watson are 23 years old and have five collegiate seasons under their belts and plenty of NCAA Tournament experience.
Stevens was asked if their maturity and experience is what caught the Celtics’ attention.
“I think in the draft, you look at what’s available,” he said. “In the first round, we were all really high on Baylor, so we were excited to see him go down to 30th. And then in the second round, the same with Anton. They’re both guys that can win. They’ve played in a lot of big moments, a lot of big games and big environments. They know how to play on both ends of the court. They’ve been really well coached.”
“When you’re not drafting a guy in the top five, you probably don’t look at those factors as much, right? You’re looking for the best fit, the guy that can come in and elevate your team, the guy that can grow within the group. They’re both young, so they can do that.”
Scheuerman averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game last season while shooting 38.1% from the 3-point line. He was a better shooter during his collegiate career, averaging 5.6 attempts per game from the 3-point line and making nearly 40% of those attempts.
In addition to his shooting, Shierman also impressed Stevens with how he’s improved athletically in recent years.
“He’s been doing a great job of training his body. He’s been doing great with his weight training,” Stevens said. “He’s always been very skilled, very smart, very tough. It’s like a basketball player. He knows how to play.”
“So I don’t think it’s surprising that over the last few years his body has gotten to where it is now and that’s reflected in his performance in the Big East, because he has a lot of good things going for him.”
Watson averaged 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season while shooting 57.8 percent from the field. He was an excellent defender for the Zags and finished his career with the second-most steals in school history (215) behind John Stockton (262).
“I really like him,” Stevens said of Watson. “Anton’s strength and ability to move his feet laterally gives him a chance to be one of those big, strong hybrid forwards who can switch and guard a lot of people.”
“I want him to come here ready to shoot the ball harder than he’s ever shot the ball before, because I think he’s a better shooter than he thinks he is. So I’m looking forward to getting him here in the eighth or so days.”
It will be difficult for Schierman and Watson to earn spots on the Celtics’ deep roster, as both rookies will likely sign two-way contracts and continue their development in the Main Celtics’ G League.
C’s fans should get a chance to see them in action when the NBA Summer League kicks off in Las Vegas on July 12th.
