Boston moved to 53-19 on the season with a win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Rookie Baylor Scheierman was known 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 must be on the prime of the listing as properly.
This doesn’t imply he’ll be a member of the playoff rotation—although it wouldn’t be too stunning if Joe Mazzulla threw him into the hearth—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 essential for the longer term.
The unavoidable dialog of wage trimming choices has solely been intensified by the confirmed sale of the group. Scheierman’s assured $2.6M contract subsequent season may change into extremely beneficial if he’s capable of proceed to construct on his present progress.
Within the first 15 video games that Baylor appeared in, he chipped in 12 complete factors, capturing 4/24 from the sector 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.
It is a fairly gorgeous turnaround for a participant that seemed 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 capable of 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 keen to dive on the ground and do the little issues that will not soar off the display, however will definitely catch the coach’s eye.
You’ll be able to wager that Mazzulla was completely satisfied to see Baylor put a physique on 7-footer Donovan Clingan to safe the defensive rebound.
Baylor is taking part in slightly below 20 minutes per recreation 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 a variety of taking part in time to go round, however when Boston is short-handed, he’s confirmed himself as somebody that may ship when known as on.
The Celtics aren’t limping to the end line, however they aren’t precisely wholesome both. Leaning on Scheierman affords them the power to concentrate on relaxation, whereas additionally giving him beneficial reps.
His confidence is like night time and day in comparison with the start of the 12 months, and you may sense that he’s being empowered by his group and the teaching workers. He went from timid and cautious to exuberant and daring. He’s barking again on the opposing group’s bench, and calling his personal quantity whereas sharing the ground with future Corridor of Famers.
The latest flashes are extraordinarily encouraging, however the pattern continues to be small. Persevering with to gather movie on Baylor’s recreation 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 pressure the Celtics’ hand. Whether or not new possession has the bankroll to assist this roster is irrelevant when their punishment is a restriction on future draft picks and the power to facilitate trades.
This makes it paramount for Boston to foster Scheierman in his accension right into a authentic rotation piece. I’ll keep away from the hypothesis for now on who’s sneakers he may fill, however having rookie scale contracts taking part in actual minutes is the proper resolution to their cap points.
Baylor Scheierman was an older draft prospect, with a flexible skillset, labeled as a pro-ready selection. It took him some time to regulate, however he seems like somebody worthy of that description. His growth must be invested in to assist prolong this window.
