Baylor Scheierman was a standout 3-point shooter all through a five-year collegiate profession earlier than the Boston Celtics chosen the Creighton product thirtieth general within the first spherical of this yr’s NBA draft. However to this point, it hasn’t panned out.
Granted, it’s nonetheless (very) early to leap the gun on Scheierman. The 24-year-old shot an atrocious 17.6% from three — on 3.4 makes an attempt — whereas averaging three factors, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists by means of 5 preseason appearances (11.6 minutes per sport). If anybody can relate to ascending from the bottom up as an out of doors taking pictures specialist it’s teammate Sam Hauser, who isn’t in any respect involved with Scheierman’s preseason output.
“For Baylor, it’s identical to these 5 video games are his first NBA expertise,” Hauser instructed reporters at Friday’s workforce observe, per CLNS Media. “It’s onerous to actually have expectations on anyone in that scenario and that’s a tricky spot to be in. I’m certain for himself he has excessive expectations and I attempt to keep in mind my first preseason. I don’t assume I performed all that effectively. So I preserve making an attempt to inform him simply preserve staying aggressive, preserve taking pictures and I’ve been serving to him out every time he has questions and issues like that. However he’s an awesome participant, he’s gonna do effectively and I’m excited to see what he can carry to the desk this yr.”
When Scheierman took the ground for Summer time League motion in Las Vegas, the Celtics watched a distinct model of the lefty snipper who turned the primary participant in NCAA historical past to have 2,000 factors, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 threes in his profession. Scheierman, wanting considerably extra comfy, averaged 11.2 factors and shot 29.4% from three and 36.2% from the sector in 5 video games in Las Vegas. The taking pictures splits had been modest and left room for enchancment, however the engagement, depth and general really feel for the function had been all (visibly) in place.
Scheierman even dove into the stands for a free ball towards the Los Angeles Lakers within the fourth quarter on an evening the place he shot simply 1-of-7 from the sector.
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Boston’s lucky sufficient to have a roster stacked with depth, giving Scheierman sufficient time to develop with endurance within the organzaiton’s G League affiliate, a route Hauser — and plenty of others earlier than Scheierman — are loads conversant in. Hauser, who went undrafted three years in the past and signed a $45 million extension with the Celtics this offseason, is greater than prepared to help Scheierman and others this upcoming season.
“I’m open ears. I’m right here to pay attention. I’m right here to assist every time (the rookies) want it,” Hauser defined, per CLNS Media. “… It doesn’t at all times occur straight away for lots of gamers, even the first-round draft picks. Generally you must serve your time within the G League or behind the scenes working actually onerous and simply wait to your flip. That’s sort of what I needed to do.”
Celtics president of operations Brad Stevens emphasised that the group would solely be making a range if the prospect was deemed a match for the workforce’s future. Presumably, Scheierman match that mould, subsequently, as Boston chases down its second straight title, Scheierman can work on getting acclimated as a first-year skilled. And judging from the way in which Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla utilized practically everybody, it won’t be too lengthy till Scheierman receives the decision to motion in Boston.
