Baylor Scheierman, the 23-year-old rookie from Creighton, made his debut for the Boston Celtics in the summer league and showed promise in his ability to contribute in various ways. While he struggled to find his shot early on, it was clear that the Celtics didn’t draft him solely as a floor spacer. They wanted someone who could make an impact across the board.
One of the key aspects of playing for the Celtics is the ability to crash the glass and push the ball up the floor. Scheierman demonstrated this skill by grabbing rebounds and quickly finding teammates on the break with well-executed kick-ahead passes. Celtics summer league coach DJ MacLeay praised Scheierman’s aggressiveness and intentionality in his play.
Scheierman’s passing was also on display during the game. He had three consecutive assists in the first quarter, each showcasing a different aspect of his passing ability. Whether it was backing down his defender in the paint and finding a cutter with a nifty pass or scanning the floor for an open shooter on the weak side after grabbing an offensive rebound, Scheierman showed a knack for finding his teammates and setting them up for good looks.
His passion for passing can be traced back to his admiration for Pistol Pete Maravich’s flashy passes and his background as a renowned quarterback. Scheierman’s ability to go through progressions and make the right pass was evident in moments during the game.
However, Scheierman acknowledged that he needs to work on sinking his open threes, particularly as he was focused on defending Jaime Jaquez Jr. MacLeay recognized the areas that need improvement but overall liked what he saw from the rookie.
Defense will be crucial for Scheierman if he wants to see playing time in the NBA. While it may not be his primary role, he needs to prove that he can hold his own on that end of the court. Jaden Springer, another young player on the Celtics’ summer league team, is someone who has shown potential as a ball hawk on defense. MacLeay emphasized the importance of defensive ball pressure and wants Springer to make it his calling card.
On offense, Springer’s goal is to make quick decisions and be reliable as a shooter. In previous NBA games, he often looked rushed and unsettled, but in the summer league game, he displayed composure even when playing at a high speed.
Springer entered the league as a teenager, surrounded by experienced players on the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite his youth, he made a conscious effort to hold himself to the same standards as his teammates. He embraced the mentality of it being a grown man’s league and worked hard to prove himself.
As his rookie season progressed, Springer started to listen to the advice of his veteran teammates and coaches. They emphasized the need for him to show that “dog” mentality and take minutes away from established players. Springer expressed gratitude for his coaches and their belief in him, recognizing that their support boosts his confidence.
Overall, both Scheierman and Springer showcased their potential in the summer league game for the Boston Celtics. They displayed skills that could earn them playing time and contribute to the team’s success. With continued development and improvement in key areas, they have the opportunity to make an impact at the NBA level.