The Celtics first round draft pick Baylor Scheierman, at age 23, was one of the oldest, and most experienced players taken in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Scheierman turns 24 in September and was the second oldest selected from the lot. Terrence Shannon, taken 27th by Minnesota, is two months older.
While many of the first rounders in this season’s class only spent a year or two at their respective schools, Scheierman was a five-year collegiate athlete. He spent three years at South Dakota State and Creighton University.
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So unlike previous years, (J.D. Davison, 21, and Jordan E. Walsh, 20) GM Brad Stevens went for a player who is closer to being NBA-ready in Scheierman.
His numbers bear that out, as he is the first men’s Division 1 player to hit 2000 career points, 1000 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 threes.
“The Celtics launch 3′s, we know they like to do that,” Stephen A. Smith said during the NBA Draft ESPN broadcast. “They’re the reigning and defending NBA champions. It doesn’t matter that he’s older at age 24. They can afford it because they’ve got talent, particularly in their starting five.”
In Scheierman’s fifth and final collegiate campaign, the six-foot-seven guard from Aurora, Nebraska averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and nearly a steal per game.
When he initially signed with Creighton his senior year in 2022, one report suggested he had planned on staying for one year. A surprise knockout of last year’s NCAA Elite Eight tournament prompted his return, along with several other starters (Ryan Kalkbrenner and Trey Alexander).
“(He’s a) versatile shooter who can drain 3s from way beyond the arc using screens, handoffs, and movement within the flow of the offense,” Kevin O’Connor said in the Ringer’s 2024 NBA Draft guide. “Pick-and-roll skills give him additive value. He’s more than just a shooting specialist. If his athleticism continues to progress, he’ll at least be serviceable.”
A left-handed shooter, Scheierman shot 38.1% from three-point land last season.
“They need help coming off the bench,” Smith added. “Somebody a bit more seasoned that stayed in college a little bit longer, who can shoot, who can score, that fits the mold of what they want for the immediate future.”
