With the 2025 NBA Playoffs right around the corner, the Boston Celtics are locked into the postseason with their No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference clinched. While most of the Celtics rotation is obvious when everyone is healthy, there are still a few decisions head coach Joe Mazzulla needs to make.
One of those involves rookie sharpshooter Baylor Scheierman.
When Scheierman fell to the Boston Celtics with the 30th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the selection was generally well-liked. Paul Kasabian from Bleacher Report wrote about Boston’s first-round pick:
"He couldn't have landed in a much better place than Boston, which looks primed to compete for championships for years to come with the core in place. It's a great place for the ex-(Creighton) Bluejay to learn and develop, and the pressure won't be on him to provide a massive contribution right away with the team already stocked with talent in the starting lineup and bench."Paul Kasabian
Fast forward a year later, and the 24-year-old rookie has carved out a role as one of the first wings off the reigning champs’ bench. In March, Baylor made 47.4% of his three-point shots while hoisting 3.8 attempts a game. During Scheierman’s hot streak from beyond the arc, he spoke to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe:
"Obviously it’s a lot of fun when [the game] slows down and it feels like you’re just out there playing free, playing loose. Coach [Joe Mazzulla] has got a lot of confidence in you, players have got a lot of confidence in you. That’s what the game is all about, and that’s how I enjoy playing."Baylor Scheierman
In short order, Baylor has earned the trust of his head coach and his teammates. Additionally, he has shown that he can excel as a spark plug off the bench and impact winning.
As rotations shrink with the playoffs, we will see whether Baylor will get consistent playing time. But as the Celtics strive towards Banner 19 this season, it is quite the luxury for the team to have a cost-controlled wing who they know can contribute to winning not only this season but for years to come.