The Boston Celtics utilized the 3-pointer more than any other team last season, so it's no surprise that they selected another shooter in the 2024 NBA Draft. With the 30th overall pick, the Celtics drafted 23-year-old Baylor Scheierman out of Creighton University.
The 6-foot-7 shooter played five years of college ball, giving him more experience than most rookies. In fact, he's already older than a few current Celtics, including forward Jordan Walsh, guard Jaden Springer, and point guard JD Davison.
Since Boston is fresh off a title, it helps to have a player who has the maturity to handle the learning curve of the NBA. What's more, Scheierman is an elite shot-maker, which can make a rookie's transition to the league a lot smoother.
Before the 2024 All-American enters the Association, let's take a look at his body of work and grade the Celtics' first-round pick of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Boston Celtics 2024 NBA Draft Grade
Grade: A-
The Nebraska native used his first three seasons of NCAA eligibility at South Dakota State, where he slowly developed into a star. In his final season with the Jackrabbits, Scheierman shot 50.8% from the floor and an incredible 46.9% from 3-point range.
After that breakout performance, he took his talents to the Big East Conference and joined the Creighton Bluejays. Although the jump from the Summit League to one of the toughest conferences in college basketball isn't easy, Scheierman handled it well.
He went from the Summit League Player of the Year in 2022 to First-team All-Big East in 2024. Some of the other names on that elite Big East squad were guard Devin Carter, who was selected 13th overall by the Sacramento Kings, and point guard Tyler Kolek, who's aiming for a second-round selection this year.
During his final year at Creighton, Scheierman shot 38.1% from deep while averaging around three to eight attempts per outing. He also notched 18.5 points (career-high), nine rebounds, and 3.9 assists over the course of the 2023-24 campaign.
Scheierman was ready for the bright lights of the Big East, and now he'll have to prepare for the intensity of the NBA (and potentially the G-League). His hot shooting will be pivotal for Boston, as Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has placed an emphasis on winning the 3-point battle each game throughout his tenure in Beantown.
If Scheierman can continue to shoot it well from deep, there'll be a spot for him in Beantown. Just ask current Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser, who went from an undrafted rookie to a significant piece on a championship roster.
Hauser was able to get off Boston's bench because of his 3-point shot and Scheierman could follow the same path. Defensive struggles are usually what doom shooters in the NBA, yet Hauser largely overcame that.
Ironically, Scheierman is nearly the exact same height as Hauser and is facing some of the same questions in scouting reports. Can he defend at the next level? Can he keep up with the speed of the NBA?
The answers to these questions could very well determine the 2024 rookie's career. But, if Hauser could develop on that side of the ball, Scheierman should have the tools to do so too.
This isn't to say that he'll be an instant replacement for Hauser. The third-year Celtic has a $2.1 million club option in his contract that needs to be picked up or declined by Saturday, June 29th. Not exercising that option would make Hauser a restricted free agent. However, that could simply result in the C's extending him on a longer contract.
Regardless of what the Celtics do or do not pay Hauser, Scheierman is a solid pick. He fits Boston's offense and is a 3-point threat who can surround Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Of course, few rookies are good enough to crack the Celtics' talented rotation. Brown, center Kristaps Porzingis, guard Jrue Holiday, and other key players are returning next season, leaving little room for new blood. So, no matter who was picked, they probably weren't going to make an immediate impact in Boston.
That doesn't mean Scheierman lacks potential for the future. If he develops his defense, he could turn into a formidable role player who can't be left alone beyond the arc.
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