The Celtics announced Wednesday they signed Drew Peterson to a two-way contract.
He averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Maine Celtics last season, after joining the team in December. Peterson was undrafted in 2023, and spent some time with Sioux Falls, before landing with the Celtics mid-season. The 6’ 9 forward enjoyed an illustrious career at the University of Southern California, and emerged as a sharpshooting all-around player. Peterson has named Derrick White as his on-court inspiration.
“I try to have an all-around game – shoot, dribble, pass, rebound, defend,” Peterson told CelticsBlog earlier this season. “I do whatever the team would need me to do depending on the role, depending on the guys on the court.”
He appeared in three regular season games, and was with the team for the entirety of the playoff run, but as a two-way player, was ineligible to play. Still, he got to experience a championship in Boston.
When Peterson first signed with the team, Joe Mazzulla drew a comparison between him and Sam Hauser, noting Hauser has paved a path for what success in the organization can look like.
“You take a look at Sam and what he’s done – the more times you can put your guys into a specific role of what they can become over time, and you see it work into fruition, it’s kind of a formula that you have and can develop,” Mazzulla said.
Peterson secures one of the Celtics’ three two-way slots. Anton Watson, drafted by the Celtics with the 54th pick, is likely to sign a two-way deal as well. A third spot could be taken by JD Davison — who’s been a two-way player for Boston twice now — but Davison is a free agent.
Peterson joins a list of Celtics who have already re-signed from last year’s championship roster — Luke Kornet (1 year deal), Neemias Queta (3 year deal), and Xavier Tillman (2 year deal). Peterson will play in NBA Summer League later this month in Las Vegas.
