After a long offseason, the NBA season is officially back. The Boston Celtics played in the opening game, losing to the Detroit Pistons, 121-113. It was disappointing for the Celtics, who went up big in the third quarter before the Pistons clawed back, going on a 23-0 run in the fourth.
Two players who played well for Boston in this game were forwards Baylor Scheierman and Sam Hauser. Hauser scored 11 points (4-for-7 from the field and 3-for-5 from three) and added four rebounds in 18 minutes. Scheierman scored eight points (3-for-4 from the field and 2-for-2 from three) and added four rebounds, along with one steal.
Both players came off the bench, with the Celtics starting Jordan Walsh alongside Derrick White, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Mitchell Robinson. Following this game, however, it may be better for either Hauser or Scheierman to get that spot in the starting five.
Boston should move Scheierman or Hauser into starting lineup
Looking at the Celtics' starting lineup, one thing that stands out is the defensive presence. All of them are plus defenders, but the group does have one weakness. Walsh is still developing as an offensive player, and Robinson isn't a floor spacer.
Moving one of Scheierman or Hauser into the starting lineup in place of Walsh would benefit the offense of the Celtics starters. While neither of them is as good an individual defender as Walsh, given how strong the other starters are as defenders, adding a stronger offensive player could go a long way.
When looking at which of those two could get moved into the starting five, for me it would come down to what type of player you'd prefer. Though their shooting is the strength of their offensive games, they have different roles offensively.
Starting with Hauser, his shooting is the biggest strength of his game. Whether it's as a spot-up shooter or on the move, he's one of Boston's biggest threats from deep. That, in particular, is what makes his role as a starter a seamless fit, as Tatum and George will be the main creators, with Hauser complementing them.
Scheierman, on the other hand, is more capable with the ball in his hands. His shooting is still his strength, but he's much better than Hauser if he has to put the ball on the ground and look to create for others. He isn't a strong enough creator to win one-on-one consistently, but he is a great connector for the Celtics' offense.
Jordan Walsh should revert to bench role with Celtics
Even with the differences in the offensive games of Hauser and Scheierman, placing either of them in the starting five would be a fine decision.
While Walsh didn't have a great opener (though he did lead the team in rebounds), I think he'd be better off coming off the bench instead. Having an extra shooting threat would help create better lanes for Tatum and George.
Boston's opener ended poorly, but you have some positive takeaways. As good as it was to see Hauser and Scheierman play well, the biggest positive was the play of Paul George.
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