Anton Watson – F – Gonzaga – 6-foot-8 – 225lbs
Gonzaga’s Anton Watson has an NBA-ready body and gained plenty of experience from a quality program. He was one of the 50 players invited to the NBA’s G League Elite Camp on May 13-14.
Watson averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while also snagging 1.8 steals for the Bull Dogs who made it to the Elite 8 this past year.
He’s shown a nice ability to finish through contact.
Anton Watson throws it DOWN 😤 @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/fCtxRXQwu5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 26, 2023
Watson averaged 9.3 points and 9.5 boards in the NCAA Tournament also chipping in 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks.
“Watson has a broad base, a thick frame, and natural strength. He can score on the low block and hit from outside and he’s also a polished passer,” notes NBA Draft Room. “While not the fastest athlete Watson has enough lateral agility and foot-speed to guard in space.”
The Hawks have a few wing options on hand and, if they choose to dip their toes in the trade waters this summer, they could have to part with some. While Watson is like the rest of the list as a likely undrafted free agent should he stay in the draft, he could find himself on a two-way contract as an injury or illness replacement as we have seen in recent years.
None of these players are priority draftees and the possibility that all of them return to school next season exists.
Still, it is a notable next step in a critical offseason for the Hawks.