Boston moved to 53-19 on the season with a win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Rookie Baylor Scheierman was referred to as upon as soon as once more for prolonged minutes, and he delivered with a handful of three’s and this slick strip and behind-the-back dime to Payton Pritchard:
Boston has ten video games left to shut out their common season. Well being and conditioning are two issues that can assuredly be prioritized, however persevering with to develop Baylor Scheierman needs to be on the prime of the checklist as nicely.
This doesn’t imply he’ll be a member of the playoff rotation—although it wouldn’t be too shocking if Joe Mazzulla threw him into the fireplace—however as a result of getting an actual take a look at what he’s able to, and permitting him to proceed gaining confidence is vital for the long run.
The unavoidable dialog of wage trimming choices has solely been intensified by the confirmed sale of the workforce. Scheierman’s assured $2.6M contract subsequent season may develop into extremely priceless if he’s in a position to proceed to construct on his present progress.
Within the first 15 video games that Baylor appeared in, he chipped in 12 complete factors, taking pictures 4/24 from the sphere and 1/15 from deep. In March, he’s blown previous these figures, scoring 53 factors throughout seven video games, and pulling down 15/32 (47%) of his 3-point makes an attempt.
This can be a fairly beautiful turnaround for a participant that appeared uncomfortable and misplaced early on. He now appears accustomed to each the velocity and physicality of the NBA. The sport hasn’t simply slowed down for him — he’s been in a position to velocity up.
The three ball is the most important promoting level for Scheierman, however his rebounding and passing instincts are much less frequent traits for a marksman. He has a nostril for the ball, and is greater than prepared to dive on the ground and do the little issues that will not leap off the display, however will definitely catch the coach’s eye.
You’ll be able to guess that Mazzulla was glad to see Baylor put a physique on 7-footer Donovan Clingan to safe the defensive rebound.
Baylor is enjoying slightly below 20 minutes per sport within the month of March, together with consecutive video games logging over 25 minutes. He’s incomes the belief that has been given to him. There’s not plenty of enjoying time to go round, however when Boston is short-handed, he’s confirmed himself as somebody that may ship when referred to as on.
The Celtics aren’t limping to the end line, however they aren’t precisely wholesome both. Leaning on Scheierman affords them the flexibility to give attention to relaxation, whereas additionally giving him priceless reps.
His confidence is like night time and day in comparison with the start of the 12 months, and you’ll sense that he’s being empowered by his workforce and the teaching workers. He went from timid and cautious to exuberant and daring. He’s barking again on the opposing workforce’s bench, and calling his personal quantity whereas sharing the ground with future Corridor of Famers.
The current flashes are extraordinarily encouraging, however the pattern remains to be small. Persevering with to gather movie on Baylor’s sport will present readability on what precisely Boston has in him, and can permit for extra knowledgeable decision-making within the offseason.
If we take Wyc Grousbeck at his phrase, the basketball penalties introduced on by extended stays above the second apron will drive the Celtics’ hand. Whether or not new possession has the bankroll to help this roster is irrelevant when their punishment is a restriction on future draft picks and the flexibility to facilitate trades.
This makes it paramount for Boston to foster Scheierman in his accension right into a official rotation piece. I’ll keep away from the hypothesis for now on who’s footwear he may fill, however having rookie scale contracts enjoying actual minutes is the right resolution to their cap points.
Baylor Scheierman was an older draft prospect, with a flexible skillset, labeled as a pro-ready alternative. It took him some time to regulate, however he appears to be like like somebody worthy of that description. His growth must be invested in to assist prolong this window.
