As fireworks are fired into the sky on Independence Day, C.J. Watson celebrates a new deal — $15 million over three years, per Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports. That’s more than double he made in each of the past two years while with the Pacers ($2.1 million).
Watson quietly sat on the bench to watch practice, unable to participate.
“Had a great 2 years in Indy thanks to all the fans for the support,” Watson wrote on Twitter. “Met so many good ppl there and made life long friends in teammates. Ready and excited for the next chapter in Orlando can’t wait to get started with the young bucks lol they will keep me youthful I’m sure lol”
“Blessed!!! God is good still lots of work to do tho but words can’t describe how happy I am.”
Watson was a steady backup point guard for the Pacers behind George Hill, but oftentimes he wasn’t available when the team needed him. That’s ultimately what ended his time in Indy after two seasons.
“I like him as a kid and as a player, but he hasn’t played much in the last 20 games each season,” Pacers President Larry Bird said after the season in April.
He did not play in 44 of 162 games over the last two years — including 24 games during the 2014-15 season when the team was battered and bruised — or almost 27 percent of games.
Injuries that sidelined him last year: bruised right foot, sinus infection, sore left foot, and a sore right elbow.
Watson has averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over his eight-year career.