The Boston Celtics drafted Baylor Scheierman with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 draft. While the rookie wing has only appeared in five games with Boston this season, Scheierman has been highly impressive in the G League, and he could be ready for an NBA opportunity sooner rather than later. Through 14 games, Scheierman is averaging 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Let’s dive into Scheierman’s impact in the G League and what it means for his NBA career.

Celtics Rookie Baylor Scheierman is Shining in the G League

An All-Around Player

Scheierman is mainly known for his sharpshooting abilities, on 9.5 threes per game, he is shooting 34.6 percent. His knockdown shooting makes him a natural fit for the Celtics system. The Creighton product was one of the best shooters in all of college basketball last season.

While many only know the 6-foot-6 wing for his shooting ability, Scheierman is a highly impactful all-around player. Scheierman is a crafty playmaker capable of making a variety of reads and passes. Furthermore, Scheierman is an incredibly active off-ball player, both as a screener and cutter. Scheierman’s off-ball activity allows him to create shots for himself and others. His high basketball IQ and positioning make him a high-quality rebounder.

In a recent game against the Texas Legends, JD Davison was sidelined with an injury, and Scheierman stepped up; he recorded 25 points, six threes, seven assists, and five rebounds. Scheierman’s impact as a playmaker was particularly vital without Davison; he was more of a primary ball handler and playmaker. Davison has been one of the best players in the G League this season, making Scheierman’s play more crucial. Additionally, throughout the game, Scheierman’s off-ball play opened up the shots for his teammates. Ultimately, the Celtics won 102-95, and Scheierman’s contributions were central to the win. After the game, Maine Celtics head coach Tyler Lashbrook praised Scheierman for his all-around impact, particularly as a playmaker and screener.

Maine Celtics head coach Tyler Lashbrook on Baylor Scheierman’s off-ball presence:

“He’s an excellent screener.”

“We like what he’s able to do when he gets the ball in the seam on those little hit unders and he makes really good reads.” pic.twitter.com/aZ73rxBqJw

— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) January 1, 2025

Tyler Lashbrook on Baylor Scheierman’s all-around impact:

“I thought he was awesome. Part of the thing that made him special tonight was that we just needed him to handle more than he has recently.

“I thought he handled that responsibility really well.” pic.twitter.com/X9eIeZl08v

— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) December 31, 2024

Scheierman’s combination of shooting, playmaking, off-ball activity, rebounding, and high basketball IQ makes him an impressive all-around wing. This has been an archetype the Celtics prioritize and one that is valuable in the modern NBA. Moreover, considering that many teams mainly game plan for Scheierman’s shooting, his playmaking and off-ball movement can end up being just as impactful. Scheierman spoke about this after the Legends game.

Baylor Scheierman on how his off-ball activity opens up the game for his teammates:

“People are trying to take away my three-point shot so with that my ability to move off the ball and cut and screen for other people, in turn it opens up things for my teammates.” pic.twitter.com/J8qkLPjqdY

— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) December 31, 2024

Will Scheierman be Given a Chance in Boston?

Considering Scheierman’s impressive play in the G League and his natural fit in the Celtics system, it’s likely he will be given a chance in Boston. While Scheierman hasn’t played in a game with Boston since December 2nd, Joe Mazzulla has built a culture around always being prepared for an opportunity. Examples of this are how Mazzulla has played Jordan Walsh and Drew Peterson in unpredictable spot minutes throughout the year and how he frequently mixes up the Celtics’ center rotation. Look for Mazzulla to give Scheierman an opportunity, particularly when Maine has an off day or when Boston is short on wings. Additionally, Scheierman is on a standard contract, making an opportunity with Boston more likely.

In the NBA, Scheierman wouldn’t have as many playmaking responsibilities. Nevertheless, his ability to make the extra pass and the right read would be impactful. As would his presence as a cutter and screener. Scheierman has only played in 34 total NBA minutes and taken six threes he hasn’t found his shot yet; however, given his knack for shooting, that trend won’t continue with more minutes. For Scheierman to get consistent minutes, defense is the biggest area of improvement. Regardless, given his stellar play in the G League and well-rounded skill set, Scheierman could make a significant impact when given an opportunity in Boston. Ultimately, it will be interesting to track Scheierman’s progression; we’ve seen the Celtics develop wings such as Sam Hauser through the G League, and Scheierman could have a similar trajectory.