The Boston Celtics have continued their offseason strategy by securing key players from their 2023-24 championship-winning roster, a commitment they reinforced on Wednesday.
Boston made headlines with the announcement of Drew Peterson‘s re-signing to a two-way contract, effectively filling one of the team’s allotted spots for the 2024-25 season. The 24-year-old guard had entered the offseason as a restricted free agent after spending the majority of the previous season with the G League affiliate Maine Celtics.
Peterson’s journey with the Celtics began when the organization took a chance on him in December, offering him a two-way contract. Despite going undrafted out of USC, Peterson quickly proved his worth in the G League, showcasing his versatility and skills across 34 games.
During his tenure with Maine, he averaged impressive numbers of 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting efficiently at 45.9% from the field, 36.9% from beyond the arc, and 81.5% from the free-throw line. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also led the team in minutes played with an average of 35.4 per game. Although his opportunities with the main Celtics squad were limited to just three appearances, where he averaged 3.7 points in 7.7 minutes, Peterson’s impact and potential were evident.
In the Celtics’ current lineup, Sam Hauser fulfills the role of an off-the-bench sharpshooter, complemented by the recent acquisition of Baylor Scheierman, a skilled three-point shooter selected 30th overall in the 2024 draft. With Peterson and Anton Watson (likely the other two-way contract holder from the 54th overall selection) filling out the roster, similar dynamics to the previous season are expected, with both players competing for playing time as opportunities arise.
As the offseason progresses, the Celtics are navigating the free agency landscape with Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk, both unrestricted free agents from last season’s championship team, yet to finalize their contracts. Their signings, or potential departures, will shape the team’s depth and strategy moving forward.
The Celtics’ decision to retain Peterson underlines their commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining a competitive edge. His journey from undrafted prospect to impactful G League performer to now a re-signed player on a two-way contract reflects the team’s belief in his potential growth and contribution to their success. With the new season on the horizon, Boston fans eagerly anticipate seeing how Peterson and other key roster moves will influence their quest for continued success in the NBA.
