Welcome to Boston, Baylor Scheierman!

[BillessuR6]

Baylor just has the right attitude. You need to have balls to make it in this league especially if you are on the bubble of being an nba player...

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[fallguy]

Honestly, I’m begging for a draft pick of Brad’s to hit, because we’re going to need these guys soon! It’s rough where he’s picking, but he’s going to have to find a gem or two! He’s a trade and FA wizard, there’s no doubt about it, now we need to see something with these draft picks.


Rico is looking up, I hope the sky’s the limit! Very impressed lately! I mean, he was doing well in the G, but we have enough good G talent, we need excellent drafted NBA players! Come on Rico, be the steal we all hope for!

Rico will definitely be ready for a 18-25 mpg role next year. May even see some spot minutes in the playoffs this year.

That's a big role on this kind of team. You're super high on him, huh?

[31to6]

I was expecting Craig to slot into the borderline playoff rotation (Oshae minutes), but he hasn't -- Baylor is well on his way there instead!

I think Tatum is the emergency small-ball 'center' (miles ahead of dusting off Tillman), and in that case Baylor's size and activity help him slot into one of the wings.

To be clear, I don't think Baylor is in the playoff rotation if the Cs are healthy, but he seems well ahead of Craig and Walsh for spot/emergency wing duty.

Has Walsh's ship sailed here? I've always liked him, but it now feels a long shot that he ever develops a role here.

I'm not sticking a fork in Walsh completely yet..but it's not looking good. You'd hope the shot was further along by now. Or if not, you'd hope that the defense was just so freaking elite that we're talking about a Matisse Thybulle/Herb Jones/Tari Eason/Peyton Watson type of elite wing defender with offensive limitations but that's not happening either.

He's still young..and under contract for 1 more guaranteed season next year. So maybe next season things start to click more for him..it's tough though when you're not getting consistent playing time..but we can't just spoonfeed him consistent playing time if he's not earning it..

Baylor is looking good and his confidence is really growing. And he's obviously the better shooter, on a team that shoots more 3's than any team ever..plus the way he's hustling out there, going after loose balls and rebounds, kind of makes up for what he's lacking on D. And his D hasn't been that bad.

Walsh hopefully can make some strides but if the Cs nail this draft it might be hard to find PT. He is 3.5 years younger than Baylor S and is cheaper and likely younger than whoever we draft in the first round.
He did get in 45 games this year and not all garbage time. He has looked really solid at times.
That said Baylor S is looking like he has moved above him in the PT ladder.

Baylor plays like he was THE GUY for four years of college across two different schools. There's a confidence that comes from that.

Walsh plays like a deer on stilts -- like he was a talented HS prospect who spent one year in college, one year in the G league, and still isn't sure how to make his mark.

I've been high on his potential -- Rodman-esque build, some impressive athleticism, and some intriguing hints of ability -- and would be happy for him to be back next year, but he hasn't been ready to take advantage of the opportunity this year, and may well be on the bubble this summer. I mean, I don't even remember Miles Norris' first name (had to look) and if he's cheaper, maybe he's just as likely to be useful next year?

[neno]

Next year is jordans last guaranteed year 2.2mill I believe wouldn't be surprised if he is moved considering tax bill 18mill ish and lack of production

[ConstableGeneva]

Both Peterson and Scheierman are ahead of Walsh in terms of being able to contribute and impact a contending team, even if it's just regular season. If choices are to be made, I'm keeping DP and BS.

[hugepatsfan]

Next year is jordans last guaranteed year 2.2mill I believe wouldn't be surprised if he is moved considering tax bill 18mill ish and lack of production

We only have 11 players signed for next year, including him. You have to get up to 14 spots. Trading Walsh clears his $2.2M salary but creates a need to sign an extra player. The rookie minimum is about $1M, so some savings there, but the vet min is actually about $100K higher than Walsh's salary. So unless they replace Walsh with a rookie, trading him away actually will have a negative impact on their tax bill once they backfill the spot. And for signing a rookie, keep in mind they already have the #28 and #31 picks right now so potentially already bringing in 2 rookies so a 3rd might be tough to do.

[neno]

Next year is jordans last guaranteed year 2.2mill I believe wouldn't be surprised if he is moved considering tax bill 18mill ish and lack of production

We only have 11 players signed for next year, including him. You have to get up to 14 spots. Trading Walsh clears his $2.2M salary but creates a need to sign an extra player. The rookie minimum is about $1M, so some savings there, but the vet min is actually about $100K higher than Walsh's salary. So unless they replace Walsh with a rookie, trading him away actually will have a negative impact on their tax bill once they backfill the spot. And for signing a rookie, keep in mind they already have the #28 and #31 picks right now so potentially already bringing in 2 rookies so a 3rd might be tough to do.

800k tax difference between walsh&vet?
Gary Trent
Taurean Prince
Luke Kornet
Some vets probably worth difference
Nba pays some vet minimum $$ right?

[Parliament10]

Next year is jordans last guaranteed year 2.2mill I believe wouldn't be surprised if he is moved considering tax bill 18mill ish and lack of production

We only have 11 players signed for next year, including him. You have to get up to 14 spots. Trading Walsh clears his $2.2M salary but creates a need to sign an extra player. The rookie minimum is about $1M, so some savings there, but the vet min is actually about $100K higher than Walsh's salary. So unless they replace Walsh with a rookie, trading him away actually will have a negative impact on their tax bill once they backfill the spot. And for signing a rookie, keep in mind they already have the #28 and #31 picks right now so potentially already bringing in 2 rookies so a 3rd might be tough to do.

800k tax difference between walsh&vet?
Gary Trent
Taurean Prince
Luke Kornet
Some vets probably worth difference
Nba pays some vet minimum $$ right?

The NBPA pays it.

[hugepatsfan]

We only have 11 players signed for next year, including him. You have to get up to 14 spots. Trading Walsh clears his $2.2M salary but creates a need to sign an extra player. The rookie minimum is about $1M, so some savings there, but the vet min is actually about $100K higher than Walsh's salary. So unless they replace Walsh with a rookie, trading him away actually will have a negative impact on their tax bill once they backfill the spot. And for signing a rookie, keep in mind they already have the #28 and #31 picks right now so potentially already bringing in 2 rookies so a 3rd might be tough to do.

800k tax difference between walsh&vet?
Gary Trent
Taurean Prince
Luke Kornet
Some vets probably worth difference
Nba pays some vet minimum $$ right?

The NBPA pays it.

Yup. And just to clarify, here's a link that shows the minimum salary based on years of experience.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/08/early-nba-minimum-salary-projections-for-2025-26.html

This is the salary the player actually gets. Anyone with 3+ years though, the NBA pays the difference down to the 2 year minimum salary. That 2 year minimum salary then is what counts on the cap and luxury tax. This is to remove the incentive for teams cutting costs to ignore all vets and hurt their ability to keep finding work.

So on Jordan Walsh, his salary is $2,221,677 next year. The 2-year minimum is $2,296,274. Since we only have 11 players signed, including him, if they did salary dump him it likely doesn't cut costs because it creates another open spot that needs to be filled and a vet minimum signing would count at that slightly higher number. The only way to cut costs for him would be to replace him with a rookie or 1-year vet on a minimum deal. It's possible they'd give up on him and do that, but keep in mind that in those 11 players signed it does NOT include the projected #28 and #31 picks they have. So they could already be adding two rookies as-is. A 3rd might not be something they want to do.

[neno]

800k tax difference between walsh&vet?
Gary Trent
Taurean Prince
Luke Kornet
Some vets probably worth difference
Nba pays some vet minimum $$ right?

The NBPA pays it.

Yup. And just to clarify, here's a link that shows the minimum salary based on years of experience.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/08/early-nba-minimum-salary-projections-for-2025-26.html

This is the salary the player actually gets. Anyone with 3+ years though, the NBA pays the difference down to the 2 year minimum salary. That 2 year minimum salary then is what counts on the cap and luxury tax. This is to remove the incentive for teams cutting costs to ignore all vets and hurt their ability to keep finding work.

So on Jordan Walsh, his salary is $2,221,677 next year. The 2-year minimum is $2,296,274. Since we only have 11 players signed, including him, if they did salary dump him it likely doesn't cut costs because it creates another open spot that needs to be filled and a vet minimum signing would count at that slightly higher number. The only way to cut costs for him would be to replace him with a rookie or 1-year vet on a minimum deal. It's possible they'd give up on him and do that, but keep in mind that in those 11 players signed it does NOT include the projected #28 and #31 picks they have. So they could already be adding two rookies as-is. A 3rd might not be something they want to do.

Ok he can stay I guess
Not sure if the few bucks saved is really a savings if he's not playable compared to a vet(nance jr?) But seems like a great kid who works hard, idk your probably right you usually are, where as I usually am not

[165bows]

Next year is jordans last guaranteed year 2.2mill I believe wouldn't be surprised if he is moved considering tax bill 18mill ish and lack of production

We only have 11 players signed for next year, including him. You have to get up to 14 spots. Trading Walsh clears his $2.2M salary but creates a need to sign an extra player. The rookie minimum is about $1M, so some savings there, but the vet min is actually about $100K higher than Walsh's salary. So unless they replace Walsh with a rookie, trading him away actually will have a negative impact on their tax bill once they backfill the spot. And for signing a rookie, keep in mind they already have the #28 and #31 picks right now so potentially already bringing in 2 rookies so a 3rd might be tough to do.

Yeah recycling a roster spot saves more money with Tillman, or less likely Scheierman, if replaced by a rookie minimum. Walsh would be more of a bball decision.

[ConstableGeneva]

Drew mentioned how Scheierman started his NBA career shooting 1/15 from 3, Grant Williams style. He's shot 16/34 from 3 since. Our guy is just getting more comfortable every time he sees the floor. It's clear as day that he knows how to play. Now that he can play decent D, I expect more PT to close the season. Maybe even get spot minutes in the postseason?

[cl2117]

I'm not sticking a fork in Walsh completely yet..but it's not looking good. You'd hope the shot was further along by now. Or if not, you'd hope that the defense was just so freaking elite that we're talking about a Matisse Thybulle/Herb Jones/Tari Eason/Peyton Watson type of elite wing defender with offensive limitations but that's not happening either.

He's still young..and under contract for 1 more guaranteed season next year. So maybe next season things start to click more for him..it's tough though when you're not getting consistent playing time..but we can't just spoonfeed him consistent playing time if he's not earning it..

Baylor is looking good and his confidence is really growing. And he's obviously the better shooter, on a team that shoots more 3's than any team ever..plus the way he's hustling out there, going after loose balls and rebounds, kind of makes up for what he's lacking on D. And his D hasn't been that bad.

Walsh hopefully can make some strides but if the Cs nail this draft it might be hard to find PT. He is 3.5 years younger than Baylor S and is cheaper and likely younger than whoever we draft in the first round.
He did get in 45 games this year and not all garbage time. He has looked really solid at times.
That said Baylor S is looking like he has moved above him in the PT ladder.

Baylor plays like he was THE GUY for four years of college across two different schools. There's a confidence that comes from that.

Walsh plays like a deer on stilts -- like he was a talented HS prospect who spent one year in college, one year in the G league, and still isn't sure how to make his mark.

I've been high on his potential -- Rodman-esque build, some impressive athleticism, and some intriguing hints of ability -- and would be happy for him to be back next year, but he hasn't been ready to take advantage of the opportunity this year, and may well be on the bubble this summer. I mean, I don't even remember Miles Norris' first name (had to look) and if he's cheaper, maybe he's just as likely to be useful next year?

I think the bolded is a really good observation.

Baylor was a bit hesitant to start but you can see he carries a level of confidence that he probably doesn't actually deserve (which is a good thing) and that's likely driven by that experience of being "the guy" for so long. You see it when he handles the ball as he clearly doesn't feel obligated to give it up and is happy to operate as the facilitator. For a rookie wing player that's and impressive level of confidence especially given who he's surrounded by.

Deer on stilts is a bit harsh on Walsh but it's also fairly apt. Again think you've hit the nail on the head in terms of the impact of his confidence level playing into that. Got pigeon-holed in college a bit (or at least that was the hope), immediately makes the jump to the NBA without having ever been "the guy" and not good enough overall to be that in the G League either. Now it feels like he's too on edge in his NBA minutes trying to prove himself / not mess up that you can see the lack of comfort/confidence which translates to poor play.

I think with Walsh you've got to give him a pretty long leash though. His price vs. potential is definitely worth keeping around being a 2nd round pick and a one and done college guy. He's young enough and inexperienced enough that you can still hope for significant improvements over the next 2 years without egregiously optimistic.

[Gant]

Scheierman showed his unusually creative passing all season in Maine. Now he's doing it for Boston.

Very good. That answers that. Both the shot and the passing translates from the G league. He can rebound really well for his size too. He's improved a lot on defense, and is shockingly nearing being ok on that end.

[Curmudgeon]

His defense has improved by a mile.

[djFan71]

I doubt he gets much run in the playoffs, but if he does it'll be interesting to see how he holds up to scouting / targeting on D. Right now nobody knows a dang thing about him and even if they do he's the 10th guy they care about. Even on D they haven't really singled him out to iso yet since he doesn't play enough. I almost kinda want him to get that Jimmy Butler targeting PP experience just to see where he's at. Super encouraging signs so far, though.

[31to6]

I like the comparisons to Joe Ingles, because obvious, but who else might we compare this guy to at this point?
Is Kyle Anderson another obvious one? (though: he's been more of a defensive specialist throughout his career than he perhaps gets credit for)
A bigger Denzel Valentine?
A 21st century Jiri Welsch? (**wait -- that was the 21st century too??**)
Obviously, he's the first and only Baylor Scheierman. The next face of the league.
But curious if any other comps come to mind for people here.

[fallguy]

Sheierman has Pritch's attitude.

[ConstableGeneva]

"Even our white guys guard." -- Jrue Holiday

Coaching staff doesn't get enough credit in developing these end of bench guys to turn them into decent rotation players. Part of it is 'cos we're stacked (best top 7 in the league) so they don't see the floor often apart from when someone's injured/resting but they DO develop behind the scenes. (But if Celtics RGM don't see them working on their game, do they even really improve??)

[ConstableGeneva]

Jay King has a terrific article on BS with a ton of quotes from Baylor, PP, and Mazzulla...

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6234809/2025/03/27/baylor-scheierman-celtics-rookie/

“I knew that when my opportunity came where I could get some extended minutes, I felt like I was going to be able to take advantage of that,” Scheierman said. “And I feel like that’s obviously what’s happened.”

“It’s hard,” Scheierman said, “because you want to play, but at the same time you have to have that perspective at the end of the day. Payton’s told me, and a lot of people have told me, it’s the people that can handle that and get through it that end up making it and that the people that can’t obviously don’t end up making it. So I think kind of having that perspective and just knowing that kind of really helps you just kind of battle through it and just be prepared whenever your number’s called.”

It's great that he has PP as a teammate who can talk him through waiting for his opportunity since PP himself went through it and is now thriving in his role.

“He played a lot his first year and then didn’t play a lot the next few years, so he’s kind of been through that mental battle,” Scheierman said. “And so he knows how it is and how it can weigh on someone and especially a competitor. And so I think hearing that from him really helped me put it into perspective that … I’m not the first person to be going through these things. There’s a lot of people that have gone through what I’ve gone through. And so just knowing that and having them there, it’s helped a lot.”