Celtics 2024 NBA Draft Grade Baylor Scheierman

6-foot-7 shooter, Scheierman, brings experience and elite shooting to Celtics, aiming to make an impact in the NBA. Opportunity awaits.

Standing tall at 6-foot-7, the sharpshooter has a wealth of experience from his five years of college basketball, giving him a leg up on many rookies entering the NBA. Surprisingly, he is even older than some current Celtics players, such as Jordan Walsh, Jaden Springer, and JD Davison.

Coming off a recent championship win, the Celtics can benefit from having a player like Scheierman who possesses the maturity to navigate the challenges of the NBA. His exceptional shooting abilities can also ease his transition into the league.

Before he makes his mark in the NBA, let's delve into his collegiate career and evaluate the Celtics' first-round pick of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Starting his NCAA journey at South Dakota State, Scheierman gradually rose to stardom over his three seasons with the Jackrabbits. In his final year, he showcased impressive shooting percentages of 50.8% from the field and a remarkable 46.9% from beyond the arc.

Transitioning to the competitive Big East Conference with the Creighton Bluejays, Scheierman continued to excel. Despite the challenge of moving from the Summit League to a tougher conference, he thrived and earned First-team All-Big East honors in 2024 alongside talented players like Devin Carter and Tyler Kolek.

During his final season at Creighton, Scheierman maintained a 38.1% 3-point shooting average while contributing 18.5 points, nine rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His ability to perform under pressure in the Big East bodes well for his future in the NBA.

As he prepares to step onto the NBA stage, Scheierman's sharpshooting skills will be crucial for the Celtics, aligning with Coach Joe Mazzulla's emphasis on winning the 3-point battle. If he can replicate his success from college, he could follow in the footsteps of Celtics' sharpshooter Sam Hauser, who transformed from an undrafted rookie to a key player on a championship team.

Despite facing questions about his defensive abilities and speed, Scheierman has the potential to overcome these challenges with dedication and hard work. His compatibility with Boston's offensive style and his 3-point threat make him a valuable asset alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

While immediate impact may be limited due to the Celtics' established rotation, Scheierman's future potential is promising. With a focus on developing his defensive game, he could evolve into a reliable role player known for his sharpshooting prowess beyond the arc.