After Impressing Celtics Teammates, Baylor Scheierman Eyes Bigger Role

Baylor Scheierman earned more opportunities in his second season with the Celtics last year. He found confidence and took advantage when those opportunities arose. Now, he aims to build on that.

Entering year three, Scheierman is in a unique situation. The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George. Boston also signed Mike Conley. Jayson Tatum is the leader, while Payton Pritchard looks to have another breakout season.

The shooter, who played for South Dakota State and Creighton, has been training hard heading into the 2026-27 season, and star players and veterans, like Conley and Pritchard, have taken notice.

"The other day, Baylor, I think I got like four offensive rebounds in one possession, and I just said, 'I like him,'" Conley told SI . "Like that's all I need to know. I like him. I like him a lot. And obviously, he did a bunch of other things other than that. But his willingness to crash and keep possessions alive and make the right reads was impressive. Stuff like that sticks out to me."

"He's been really good," Pritchard said. "Like just really good in the areas, like the margins. His game's grown. Obviously, he's always been a good shooter, good floater, stuff like that. But he will be really important for this team this year."

The former Summit League Player of the Year and All-Big East honoree was selected with the 30th pick by the Celtics in the 2024 NBA Draft. In 31 games during the 2024-25 season, Scheierman averaged 3.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 steals per game. In 77 games last season, he averaged 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 steals per game.

Given the chance to prove himself, Scheierman increased his value. He's ready to do that in preseason play. Scheierman appreciates those who give him his flowers. The 26-year-old is ready to show what he can really do if given the opportunity.

"It's really about attacking every single day, and with whatever opportunity you get, kind of making the most of it," Scheierman said. "You start the year not really knowing what's going to happen, and you get a little opportunity here, you try to make the most of it, and with that, more opportunity comes.

"And so, whatever opportunity I'm given, I have the most confidence in myself that I'll be able to impact the game in whatever way."