Tremont Waters named G League Rookie of the Year

Even though Tremont Waters saw limited action with the Boston Celtics this season as a two-way player, his play didn’t go unrecognized.

On Thursday, Waters was named the NBA G League Rookie of the Year after a stellar inaugural campaign with the Maine Red Claws, where he averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 36 games.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound point guard flashed his potential in the G League by recording 10 games with at least 20 points and seven assists, including a dazzling early-season showing when he poured in a season-high 33 points to go along with seven assists in a win over the Greensboro Swarm. Waters finished sixth in the G League, which canceled the remainder of its season on June 4, in assists per game and 14th in steals per game.

“We are so happy for Tremont,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “He had a fantastic G League season on both ends of the court, and continued to improve all the facets of his game while leading a winning team. This recognition is well-deserved.”

The 22-year-old Waters, who was selected by the Celtics in the second round of last year’s draft at No. 51 overall and signed a two-way contract in July, is the fourth player from the Red Claws to receive this honor with Abdel Nader (2016-17), Tim Frazier (2014-15) and DeShawn Sims (2010-11) also taking home the award.

Waters played in 10 games with the Celtics this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.2 assists and 0.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per contest. With the NBA set to resume its season in late July, it has been reported that rosters could be slightly expanded, meaning Waters could be with the Celtics for the rest of the season down in Orlando.