Baylor Scheierman is in his second season with the Boston Celtics. The Creighton product was selected with the 30th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. After spending most of his rookie year with the Maine Celtics, Scheierman has earned a larger role within Joe Mazzulla's rotation this season, especially since Anfernee Simons was traded to the Chicago Bulls ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
When Scheierman entered the NBA, his perimeter shooting was cited as his most NBA-ready skill. However, it's his defense that's earning him playing time this season. Scheierman's versatility and willingness to guard any opposing player have been key factors in his contributions to the rotation. Of course, his tertiary passing, rebounding and multi-level scoring have all paid dividends at points, too.
Those skills have led to Scheierman starting 7 of the Celtics' last 10 games, and that includes Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers. And it was that same Lakers game that saw Scheierman experience a “dream come true” moment.
When speaking with CelticsBlog’s Noa Dazell, Scheierman discussed what it was like to share the court with LeBron James and the messages he received after the game.
“Yeah, it was unreal,” Scheierman said. “It was a dream come true. I think, you know, obviously being from a small town in Nebraska, I had a lot of hometown friends and family that were taking pictures of the TV screen, sending it to me like, 'You're on the court with LeBron James.’ LeBron James is guarding you in the corner. It's a surreal feeling and something that, in the moment, I don't really pay too much attention to, but after the game, being able to sit there and reflect and think about it like it's an unreal experience and it's a dream come true.”
Scheierman ended that game against the Lakers, which the Celtics won 111-89, with 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. However, he impressed with his defensive effort, versatility and willingness to put his body on the line. Facing LeBron may have been a “dream” moment for him, but Scheierman didn’t let the situation derail his performance.
As such, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Scheierman back on the court when the Celtics face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Based on his defense, he’s earned the additional opportunity.
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