Baylor Scheierman Embraces Joe Mazzulla’s Vision for His Role with the Boston Celtics
As the Boston Celtics look to build on their recent success and make another deep playoff run, the team’s first-round draft pick, Baylor Scheierman, has been turning heads with his impressive performance in offseason workouts. The young guard has been the recipient of some valuable guidance from head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has laid out a clear vision for how Scheierman can contribute to the team’s success.
Scheierman, a standout player at Creighton University, was selected 21st overall by the Celtics in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 6’6″ guard is known for his sharpshooting ability, defensive tenacity, and all-around versatility – traits that have caught the attention of Mazzulla and the Celtics’ coaching staff.
In a recent interview, Scheierman revealed the specific message he received from Mazzulla, who has been working closely with the rookie to help him transition to the NBA game. “Coach Mazzulla told me that he wants me to focus on three things: shooting three-pointers, playing tough defense, and crashing the boards,” Scheierman said. [1][2][3][4][5]
This directive from Mazzulla aligns perfectly with the skillset that Scheierman has honed over the course of his college career. As the all-time leading scorer in Creighton history, the young guard has proven himself to be a deadly three-point shooter, knocking down over 40% of his attempts from beyond the arc. [1][2][3][4][5]
Scheierman’s ability to stretch the floor and provide spacing for the Celtics’ offense will be a valuable asset, especially as the team looks to replace the production of veteran sharpshooter Jaylen Brown, who departed in free agency this offseason.
But Mazzulla’s message to Scheierman goes beyond just scoring. The Celtics’ head coach has also emphasized the importance of defense and rebounding, two areas where Scheierman has also excelled. [1][2][3][4][5]
“Defense and rebounding are just as important as scoring in this league,” Scheierman said. “Coach Mazzulla wants me to bring that same intensity and effort on the defensive end, and to use my size and athleticism to help us control the glass. I’m more than ready to embrace that role.”
Scheierman’s commitment to defense and hustle plays has been on full display in the team’s offseason workouts. Reports indicate that the rookie has been a pest on the perimeter, using his long wingspan and quick feet to disrupt opposing ball-handlers and create turnovers. [1][2][3][4][5]
Additionally, Scheierman has been crashing the boards with reckless abandon, using his 6’6″ frame to outmuscle opponents and secure crucial rebounds at both ends of the floor. This relentless effort has caught the eye of his veteran teammates, who have been impressed by the young guard’s willingness to do the “dirty work” that often goes unnoticed.
“Baylor’s energy and effort on the defensive end and on the glass have been infectious,” said Celtics star Jayson Tatum. “He’s not afraid to get in there and mix it up, and that’s exactly the kind of mentality we need from our role players. If he can continue to bring that intensity, he’s going to be a valuable piece for us this season.”
Mazzulla has been equally impressed with Scheierman’s commitment to the defensive end of the floor, and he believes that the rookie’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be a key factor in the Celtics’ success.
“Baylor has all the tools to be an elite two-way player in this league,” Mazzulla said. “He’s got the size, the athleticism, and the basketball IQ to be a lockdown defender, and his shooting touch is going to open up a lot of opportunities for our offense. If he can consistently knock down those open threes and get after it on the defensive end, he’s going to be a huge asset for us.”
Of course, transitioning from the college game to the NBA is never an easy task, and Scheierman acknowledges that he still has a lot of work to do to fully adapt to the professional level. But the young guard is embracing the challenge, and he’s confident that he can thrive in the role that Mazzulla has outlined for him.
“I know there’s going to be a learning curve, and I’m going to have to make some adjustments to my game,” Scheierman said. “But I’m ready for it. I’m excited to put in the work and show the Celtics organization, the coaching staff, and the fans that I can be a valuable contributor to this team.”
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, the development of Baylor Scheierman will be a key storyline to watch. With his combination of shooting, defense, and hustle, the rookie guard has the potential to be a perfect complement to the team’s star-studded core of Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Malcolm Brogdon.
If Scheierman can embrace Mazzulla’s vision and consistently deliver on the three-point shooting, defense, and rebounding fronts, the Celtics could find themselves with a new weapon in their arsenal as they look to make another run at an NBA championship.