LAS VEGAS — Just last year, the Summer League experience was completely different for Drew Peterson. He was an undrafted forward out of USC playing for the Heat in Vegas as he was looking to get his first real reps as a pro.
But now, Peterson already knows his steps for next season. Peterson and the Celtics already agreed to a two-way contract, meaning he’ll get to keep developing with the reigning champs. That’s some clear stability for the 24-year-old as he’ll again be part of the organization.
“It was awesome,” Peterson said. “I’m excited to re-sign and just keep progressing. Obviously it’s been a crazy few months, crazy year for my rookie year. I’m just excited to keep it going. So I’m bought in.”
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The Celtics brought in Peterson midway through the season in December as that started the whirlwind that was his rookie season. Not only did he get to jump right in with the C’s, but Peterson experienced his NBA debut shortly after signing the two-way deal. From there, he was a valuable member of the Maine Celtics as he led them to the G League Finals. Peterson averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Maine Celtics last season in 34 games.
While Peterson wasn’t able to suit up in the playoffs since he was a two-way player, he still got to see success up close through the whole process. That’s a long way from the uncertainty from last summer. Now, he gets to be more of a focal point for the summer C’s as he’s also around other rostered players like Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, two-way guard JD Davison and more.
“Just getting a little bigger, stuff like that,” Peterson said. “I’m taking in everything I can from the older guys and doing everything I can to compete. Shooting, defensively, I like to be a little of a do-it-all guy. Anything I can do to help the team. Anything I can do to help is my goal.”
The Celtics will hope Peterson can become their latest undrafted success story, much like a Sam Hauser-type of player. Peterson’s an older second-year player as he suited up for five seasons in college at Rice then USC. He’s talked about adding muscle to endure the physicality of the NBA, saying he’s gained roughly a dozen pounds since leaving Maine a few months ago.
Peterson found success in the Celtics’ win over the Lakers on Monday, putting up 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, including shooting 4-for-8 on 3-pointers. With the C’s guaranteed at least three more games in Summer League, he’ll look to use these valuable reps to continue rounding out his game.
“The biggest thing is there’s a clear framework of what you can do to kind of progress and succeed at this level,” Peterson said. “Just trusting the process, following what I’m told to do and trying to get bigger, stronger, work on my shot.”
