The Celtics introduced Wednesday they signed Drew Peterson to a two-way contract.
He averaged 16.1 factors, 7.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Maine Celtics final season, after becoming a member of the group in December. Peterson was undrafted in 2023, and spent a while with Sioux Falls, earlier than touchdown with the Celtics mid-season. The 6’ 9 ahead loved an illustrious profession on the College of Southern California, and emerged as a sharpshooting all-around participant. Peterson has named Derrick White as his on-court inspiration.
“I attempt to have an all-around sport – shoot, dribble, cross, rebound, defend,” Peterson advised CelticsBlog earlier this season. “I do regardless of the group would wish me to do relying on the position, relying on the blokes on the court docket.”
He appeared in three common season video games, and was with the group for the whole lot of the playoff run, however as a two-way participant, was ineligible to play. Nonetheless, he acquired to expertise a championship in Boston.
Photograph by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
When Peterson first signed with the group, Joe Mazzulla drew a comparability between him and Sam Hauser, noting Hauser has paved a path for what success within the group can appear like.
“You check out Sam and what he’s accomplished – the extra instances you’ll be able to put your guys into a particular position of what they will develop into over time, and also you see it work into fruition, it’s form of a components that you’ve and may develop,” Mazzulla mentioned.
Peterson secures one of many Celtics’ three two-way slots. Anton Watson, drafted by the Celtics with the 54th choose, is prone to signal a two-way deal as effectively. A 3rd spot might be taken by JD Davison — who’s been a two-way participant for Boston twice now — however Davison is a free agent.
Peterson joins an inventory of Celtics who’ve already re-signed from final 12 months’s championship roster — Luke Kornet (1 12 months deal), Neemias Queta (3 12 months deal), and Xavier Tillman (2 12 months deal). Peterson will play in NBA Summer season League later this month in Las Vegas.
