Boston Celtics rookie forward Baylor Scheierman has carved out a consistent role off the bench in recent weeks, becoming a reliable three-point threat as injuries have sidelined key perimeter players. Since stepping into a larger role, the No. 30 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has made a strong impression, hitting 47.4% of his 3.8 three-point attempts per game in March.
According to Brian Robb of MassLive, Scheierman’s overall game has developed rapidly, to the point where he has overtaken veteran Torrey Craig in the rotation. While Craig was viewed as a key midseason pickup via the buyout market, Scheierman’s offensive upside and rookie-scale contract have made him the more appealing long-term piece. Craig is set to hit free agency this summer, casting some uncertainty on his future in Boston.
Scheierman’s recent surge is due in part to growing comfort on the NBA stage. Speaking with “Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe”, the Creighton product described his evolution: “It’s a lot of fun when the game slows down. You feel free, loose. Coach Mazzulla and the guys trust you that’s what basketball’s about.”
Head coach “Joe Mazzulla”, meanwhile, pushed back on the narrative that Scheierman is “finding confidence.” Instead, he believes the rookie has always had it he just needed the right moment. “Confidence is an overused word,” Mazzulla said. “He’s been here three months. What did people expect early on? It’s about timing, opportunity, and delivering when it counts.”
Over his last nine appearances since March 15, Scheierman is averaging 5.7 points on 48.6% from the field and 48.5% from three’, along with 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.7 steals in 16.4 minutes per game.
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