Every year, NBA prospects descend on Las Vegas for the Summer League, showcasing skills that often lead to excitement and high expectations. This tradition of overreacting to standout performances continues, and this year, Baylor Scheierman has caught the attention of many in his debut as a Celtic.
A Nervous Start but a Strong Finish
In his first game, Scheierman admitted to feeling some nerves, which were evident in his early misses. However, he quickly found his rhythm. Over the course of the Celtics’ 119-114 loss to the Heat, Scheierman began to heat up, nailing several jumpers, particularly in the second half, where his shots barely disturbed the net.
Shooting Mechanics and Versatility
Scheierman’s shot has a smoothness that suggests significant potential. Much is often made about repeatable shooting mechanics, which are crucial for consistency. Scheierman demonstrated that he could adapt his shot under various conditions—off the bounce, catch, and dribble—making him a versatile shooter.
Playmaking Abilities
When his shot wasn’t falling early, Scheierman focused on playmaking. He emphasized his preference for assisting teammates over scoring. “I’d rather get an assist than score a bucket, especially if it’s like a cool pass,” Scheierman told reporters. This selflessness was evident in his game.
Baylor Scheierman looked like an NBA player in Summer League debut: The Celtics’ first-round pick Baylor Scheierman has a collection of skills that, when combined, could be enough to make him an effective NBA player.
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His first assist was a precise drop-off to Anton Watson, threading the needle between two Heat defenders for an easy layup. Another notable assist was a cross-court skip to Jahmi’us Ramsey, a play typical of seasoned rotation players. Scheierman’s best assists came in the second half, displaying his court vision and passing accuracy. Late in the third quarter, he grabbed a rebound and quickly transitioned into a half-court pass to Watson for a layup. In the fourth quarter, he executed a pick-and-roll with Neemias Queta, drawing the defender and setting up Queta for a dunk.
Defensive Challenges and Learning Opportunities
Scheierman wasn’t perfect, particularly on defense. He committed six fouls in 24 minutes, often looking overmatched against Heat guard Jaime Jacquez Jr., who was a significant contributor for Miami. However, this challenge provided valuable learning experiences. Despite early struggles, Scheierman showed flashes of defensive potential, intercepting passes and standing his ground on key possessions.
“I was happy they gave me that assignment,” Scheierman said. “That’s something I enjoy and I’m not going to back down from and I’m going to compete.”
Managing Expectations
While it’s important to temper expectations, especially after only one game, Scheierman has shown a mix of skills that could make him an effective NBA player. Summer League performances can be deceptive, but the eye test after one game is favorable for Scheierman.
The Road Ahead
As the Summer League continues, Scheierman will have more opportunities to showcase his talent and solidify his case for a spot in the Celtics’ rotation. His shooting, playmaking, and willingness to take on defensive challenges are promising signs. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he develops and adapts to the competition.
Baylor Scheierman’s debut has sparked interest and excitement, and while the journey to becoming a regular NBA player is challenging, his performance in Las Vegas is a step in the right direction. The Celtics and their fans will be hoping he continues to build on this promising start.