Paul Watson
Paul Watson Jr. (born December 30, 1994) is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. Standing 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and listed at 210 lb (95 kg), he plays both small forward and shooting guard. After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft, Watson has built his career across multiple G League affiliates, a German club, and a memorable two-way stint with the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He is widely recognized for his athleticism, perimeter shooting, and steady improvement over a decade of professional play.
Early Life and Background
Paul Watson Jr. was born on December 30, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. He grew up in the same city where he would eventually begin his professional journey. Phoenix’s deep basketball culture and year-round playing climate gave him an early stage to develop his game, and the city remained a touchstone throughout his career. From a young age, Watson showed the kind of athletic potential that hinted at a future in competitive basketball.
Watson attended Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he became a standout performer. He led the Paradise Valley team to a state championship and was named Most Valuable Player of the event. Those high school years sharpened his competitive edge and prepared him for the next level, drawing attention from college programs across the West.
Path to Basketball
Following his championship run at Paradise Valley, Watson committed to Fresno State, joining the Bulldogs basketball program for the 2013–2014 season. The Mountain West Conference environment demanded a fast and physical style, and Watson adapted quickly. He was selected as the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2014 after averaging 10 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, a debut that confirmed his potential as a scoring wing.
As a junior, Watson averaged 7.7 points per game and helped the Fresno State Bulldogs reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2001, though an ankle injury late in the regular season limited his minutes. He returned as a senior to average 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game across 33 starts, and he also participated in the 2017 College Basketball Slam Dunk competition. After four seasons at Fresno State, he declared for the 2017 NBA draft.
Paul Watson Career
Early Career (2017)
Prior to the 2017 NBA draft, Watson worked out with the Phoenix Suns. After going undrafted, he joined the Toronto Raptors for the Las Vegas Summer League and averaged 4 points per game in five appearances. In August 2017, he signed with BG Göttingen of the German Basketball Bundesliga, but he was released in October after appearing in one game and recording six points and two rebounds.
Later that same year, Watson was selected with the fifth pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA G League draft by the Westchester Knicks. He signed with the team and averaged 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in his first professional season in North America. On October 5, 2018, he signed a deal with the New York Knicks, but was waived two days later and returned to Westchester’s training camp roster.
G League Breakthrough (2019–2020)
For the 2019–20 season, the Raptors 905 acquired Watson’s returning player rights from Westchester, giving him a fresh start in Toronto’s system. He made 13 starts and produced a breakout year, averaging 18.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. The performance marked a clear step forward in his development as a primary scoring option and caught the attention of NBA front offices.
On January 6, 2020, the Atlanta Hawks announced that they had signed Watson to a 10-day contract, and he appeared briefly with the team before being released on January 15, 2020. The brief NBA exposure paved the way for a more significant opportunity, as the Toronto Raptors signed him to a two-way contract the same day.
Toronto Raptors Era (2020–2021)
Watson made the most of his two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors during the NBA Restart Season. On August 14, 2020, he came off the bench for an NBA career-high 27 minutes, recording 22 points and six rebounds to lead the Raptors to a 117–109 win over the Denver Nuggets. His energy and shot-making helped solidify his place in Toronto’s plans.
On December 19, 2020, Watson was converted from a two-way contract to a multi-year contract with the Raptors. He reached a new peak on April 16, 2021, scoring a career-high 30 points and hitting 8 three-pointers in a 113–102 victory over the Orlando Magic. On August 3, 2021, he was waived by the Raptors, closing a defining chapter in his career.
Oklahoma City Thunder Era (2021–2022)
On September 15, 2021, Watson signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a two-way contract tied to the Oklahoma City Blue. On December 29, 2021, he set a new career high with 37 minutes played in a 115–97 loss to the Phoenix Suns, demonstrating his growing durability. On February 10, 2022, Watson was released by the Thunder, returning to the G League free agent pool.
Austin Spurs and Valley Suns Era (2023–2025)
On October 10, 2023, Watson signed with the San Antonio Spurs but was waived two days later, and he joined the Austin Spurs on October 31, 2023, where he spent the 2023–2024 campaign. The following preseason, he signed with the Phoenix Suns on October 16, 2024, and was waived the next day before joining the Valley Suns on October 27, 2024, continuing his career in his hometown G League affiliate.
Watson later moved on to the Memphis Hustle, the G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, where he currently plays. The Valley Suns and Memphis Hustle stints reflect his willingness to keep refining his game within top development systems.
Driving Style and Strengths
Watson is best known as an athletic wing who can stretch the floor from beyond the arc, hit off-the-dribble threes, and attack closeouts. His 6 ft 6 in frame, combined with guard skills, allows him to play both small forward and shooting guard, and his bounce made him a natural fit for the College Basketball Slam Dunk competition in 2017.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Watson’s 30-point, 8-three-pointer performance against the Orlando Magic on April 16, 2021, stands out as his NBA scoring high. His Mountain West Freshman of the Year award in 2014, his 22-point burst against the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 NBA Restart, and his 18.4 points per game season with the Raptors 905 in 2019–20 also mark key milestones in his journey.
Paul Watson Career Wins
Although Paul Watson Jr. has not won an NBA championship or a G League title, his career is decorated with individual scoring milestones and team achievements. His high school state championship at Paradise Valley and his Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year award in 2014 stand as his most clearly verified honors, supported by multiple sources.
NBA and G League Highlights
Watson’s NBA career-high 30 points against the Orlando Magic and his 22-point effort versus the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Restart Season are signature scoring performances. At the G League level, his 18.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game averages for the Raptors 905 in 2019–20 stand as his most productive verified season. His career-best 37 minutes played came with the Oklahoma City Blue on December 29, 2021.
Other Wins and Performances
Watson led Paradise Valley High School to a state championship and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. He also represented Fresno State in the 2017 College Basketball Slam Dunk competition, where his athletic profile was on full display against some of the nation’s top dunkers.
Paul Watson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available details about Paul Watson Jr.’s immediate family are limited. He was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and grew up in a basketball-rich environment, though specific information about parents, siblings, or extended family has not been widely published.
Personal Life
Watson keeps his personal life largely private. Public records and verified sources do not provide confirmed details about a spouse, partner, or children. He is known to have stayed connected to his hometown of Phoenix throughout his professional journey, including his stints with the Phoenix Suns and the Valley Suns.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 calendar year, Paul Watson Jr. continues his professional career with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. The Memphis system is recognized for developing perimeter wings, and Watson’s combination of size, shooting, and athleticism fits its style of play. His recent track record with the Raptors 905, Austin Spurs, and Valley Suns suggests he can contribute scoring and spacing at the G League level.
Key storylines to follow in 2025 include Watson’s minutes load, three-point efficiency, and any potential call-ups to NBA parent clubs. After spending time on two-way and 10-day contracts earlier in his career, he remains a viable depth option for NBA teams in need of wing shooting.
With consistent play, Watson could put himself in position for another NBA opportunity, continuing the late-career momentum that has defined his journey from undrafted prospect to respected G League veteran. Fans can expect him to remain a high-volume perimeter threat and a steady locker-room presence wherever his career takes him next.