Celtics rookie Baylor Scheierman is aware of his path to taking part in time initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston
It isn’t straightforward for rookies drafted late within the first spherical to earn common taking part in time within the NBA, particularly on a contending workforce just like the Boston Celtics that has a lot veteran expertise.
There are methods to earn a constant position, nonetheless, and one in all them is by taking part in wonderful protection.
Celtics rookie Scheierman, the workforce’s No. 30 decide within the 2024 NBA Draft, is aware of that robust play on that finish of the ground will be his ticket to minutes.
“Offensively, I really feel very assured in myself and with the ability to impression the sport on the ground. However I do know that for me to get minutes on the ground, it may come right down to protection,” Scheierman advised reporters after Thursday’s apply.
“So that is what I am making an attempt to hold my hat on and get higher each single day in that class.”
Scheierman stated the Celtics needed him so as to add some muscle within the offseason, so he labored with the workforce employees and put within the work to get stronger over the summer season.
“I spent plenty of time engaged on my physique, placed on plenty of lean mass and was in a position to achieve about 10-15 kilos in that space,” Scheierman stated.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla sounds happy with the progress Scheierman has made defensively to this point.
“Any younger participant, crucial factor coming in is: Are you able to play protection, are you able to execute a defensive system and may you rebound?” Mazzulla advised reporters Thursday, together with Zack Cox of the Boston Herald. “And he bought higher at that from Day 1.”
The Celtics are bringing again their high 9 rotation gamers from final season. Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet and Al Horford (when Kristaps Porzingis was injured) all performed key roles off the bench for the 2023-24 title workforce.
Who can be Boston’s tenth man this season? Scheierman is among the many high candidates due to his exterior taking pictures. Mazzulla’s groups shoot plenty of 3-pointers, and Scheierman shot a powerful 39 % from past the arc over 5 faculty basketball seasons.
However 3-point taking pictures alone doubtless will not be sufficient for Scheierman to carve out an everyday position. He must show he isn’t a legal responsibility defensively.
