As the Boston Celtics prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, questions are arising about the effectiveness of their bench lineup, particularly concerning rookie Baylor Scheierman. In recent discussions, star player Jaylen Brown highlighted other young talents, omitting Scheierman’s name, which raises concerns about his role within the team.
Competition Among Young Wings
During preseason, a competitive situation developed among several young players vying for bench minutes. The main contenders included:
- Hugo González
- Jordan Walsh
- Baylor Scheierman
- Josh Minott
Ultimately, González secured the majority of bench minutes. Walsh has also established a regular position in Boston’s rotation. This leaves Scheierman in a precarious situation, indicating his reduced visibility in Coach Joe Mazzulla’s game plans.
Jaylen Brown’s Remarks
During a recent interview, Brown commented on the bench’s dynamics. He noted the importance of empowerment among players and confirmed that the rotation has focused primarily on González, Walsh, and Minott. He stated, “Jordan, Hugo, and Josh, you know, they’ve rotated between who’s got minutes, who started…” This suggests a concerted effort to develop these players further, while Scheierman is noticeably absent from this conversation.
Baylor Scheierman’s Current Status
Despite being a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Scheierman’s current performance is a mixed bag. He has demonstrated an impressive shooting ability, with a remarkable 52.6 percent success rate from beyond the arc this season. However, his struggles on defense have hindered his progress compared to his peers.
While many have drawn parallels between Scheierman’s shooting potential and that of Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser, he lags behind in defensive capabilities. Brown and the coaching staff appear to prioritize players who provide not only scoring but also solid defensive contributions.
Path Forward for Scheierman
For Baylor Scheierman to regain a foothold in the Celtics’ rotation, significant improvement in his defensive play will be essential. Drawing inspiration from Creighton alumni, such as Kyle Korver and Doug McDermott, may serve him well. Both players, despite their defensive limitations, excelled by leveraging their basketball IQ and positioning on the court.
In summary, while Scheierman retains potential as a shooter worthy of an NBA roster, the competition is fierce. Current performance metrics and roster dynamics suggest that his journey toward achieving a consistent role will require focused effort, particularly on the defensive end.
