Anton Watson became the 31st former Gonzaga player to appear in an NBA game when he made his debut on Monday night for the New York Knicks in a 133-104 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings.
Watson played four minutes, going 0-3 from the field with one assist and one turnover.
The 6'8 forward was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, No. 54 overall, and signed to a two-way contract. He spent the entirety of his time with the defending champions playing in the G League with the Maine Celtics, where he averaged 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just under 30 minutes per game.
The Celtics waived Watson in early March and he was claimed by another Eastern Conference power in New York. The Knicks are dealing with multiple injuries to the frontcourt, including center Ariel Hukporti who is expected to miss another month with a torn meniscus.
Watson starred at Gonzaga Prep before a prolific five-year career with the Zags, culminating in an All-WCC campaign in 2023-24 where he averaged 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 60.7% on two pointers and 41.2% from the three point line.
Watson is the 11th Zag to appear in an NBA game during the 2024-25 season, joining Brandon Clarke (Memphis), Zach Collins (Chicago), Rui Hachimura (LA Lakers), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City), Corey Kispert (Washington), Andrew Nembhard (Indiana), Kelly Olynyk (New Orleans), Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento), Julian Strawther (Denver), and Jalen Suggs (Orlando).
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 1:08 PM.