The Boston Celtics made a noteworthy selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, picking Baylor Scheierman with the final pick of the first round. Scheierman, a standout from Creighton, has garnered comparisons to former Duke star Luke Kennard for his impressive 3-point shooting skills. However, Celtics assistant general manager Austin Ainge also highlighted Scheierman's "crazy" stats as a high school quarterback, comparing him to Kennard in terms of their shared experience in football.

Ainge shared his thoughts on Scheierman's versatile skillset and expressed excitement about the team's newest addition. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 201 pounds, Scheierman brings size and toughness to the Celtics' roster. Having played five years of college basketball, including a standout season at South Dakota State University, where he caught the attention of scouts, Scheierman is viewed as a mature player who is ready to contribute at the professional level.

While Scheierman's shooting prowess has drawn much attention, his passing ability has been overlooked, much like Kennard's underrated facilitation skills. Scheierman averaged an impressive 4.5 assists per game during his final season at South Dakota State and continued to showcase his playmaking abilities at Creighton with 3.9 assists per game. These numbers outshine Kennard's assist averages during his college years at Duke, highlighting Scheierman's ability to impact the game beyond scoring.

Brad Stevens, Celtics President of Basketball Operations, commended Scheierman's physical transformation during his time at Creighton. The development of his body, combined with his basketball IQ and skill set, has afforded Scheierman success in the competitive Big East conference. Stevens praised Scheierman's dedication to improving his physique and his overall understanding of the game, emphasizing his growth as a basketball player.

Ainge expressed his admiration for Scheierman's consistent improvement year after year, noting that the talented wing has evolved across all aspects of his game. Ainge also pointed out that Scheierman's success in college was not limited to basketball, as his performance as a high school quarterback demonstrated his athleticism and competitive spirit.

In addition to Scheierman, the Celtics also added Anton Watson from Gonzaga in the draft. Watson, a five-year player in college, is regarded as a "winning player" by Stevens. With his 6-foot-8 frame and exceptional passing ability, Watson's versatility and defensive capabilities make him an intriguing prospect. While some have compared Watson to veteran Al Horford, Ainge opted to temper expectations, acknowledging Watson's improving shooting and the team's belief in his potential.

Both Scheierman and Watson bring unique skill sets and winning mentalities to the Celtics. Their college experiences, which encompassed conference victories and NCAA Tournament appearances, have prepared them for the professional stage. Celtics fans eagerly await their contributions as the team looks to strengthen its roster and compete in the upcoming NBA season.

In the meantime, both Scheierman and Watson will continue to work on their games, aiming to elevate their shooting percentages and further showcase their talents. The Celtics organization has high hopes for the young duo and believes they have the potential to make a significant impact on the team's success.

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