The Summer League is often seen as a proving ground, a stage where rookies, fringe players, and second-year hopefuls battle to carve out a space in the league. It’s less about wins and losses, more about growth, rhythm, and making a statement. And if there’s one player who has taken that directive to heart this year, it’s Baylor Scheierman. The Boston Celtics rookie has drawn attention not just with his numbers, but with the way he plays the game—calm, collected, and consistently engaged on both ends of the court.
Scheierman flirted with a triple-double in his most recent outing, finishing with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. Those numbers don’t just pop off the page; they tell a story of a player who’s impacting the game in multiple ways. While most Summer League performances tend to focus on scoring explosions or defensive dominance, Scheierman’s balanced stat line signals something deeper: versatility, court vision, and a basketball IQ that is translating well from college to the NBA stage.
The Celtics took Scheierman late in the first round, banking on his well-rounded game and shooting ability. While he wasn’t a high-flying prospect with a flashy mixtape, what he brought to the table was consistency. His college career showed a player who understood spacing, passed well, rebounded his position, and could knock down shots when left open. In Las Vegas, he’s proven that those traits aren’t limited to the NCAA.
But it’s not just the numbers. It’s how he gets them. Scheierman has shown an ability to read the floor like a veteran, making timely passes, rotating on defense, and pushing the tempo in transition. He’s constantly involved—grabbing boards, initiating offense, and even calling out switches on defense. That kind of engagement is rare in rookies and has quickly made him stand out among his peers.
What’s more impressive is how he’s improved with each game. Early on, he struggled to find his shooting rhythm. His three-point shot wasn’t falling, and his decision-making seemed a step slow. But instead of shrinking into the background, he doubled down on the things he could control. He crashed the glass harder, looked for teammates, and played with a physical edge. Now, with his shot beginning to come around, the full package is emerging.
Boston’s coaching staff has taken notice. From the sidelines, they’ve praised his poise, his ability to stay locked in, and his understanding of the team’s systems. He’s already being used as a secondary playmaker, often initiating sets when the primary ball handler is pressured. That trust is not given lightly in an organization like Boston’s. For a team with championship aspirations, there’s very little room for error. A rookie who shows he can play winning basketball—even in July—is going to have a chance to earn real minutes in October.
And then there’s the front office perspective. Brad Stevens, now in his role as President of Basketball Operations, made several appearances throughout the week in Las Vegas. Always measured in his comments, Stevens shared a few key takeaways about the direction of the roster and what the team is looking for going into next season. He didn’t name names, but his message was clear: players who can fill multiple roles, think the game quickly, and make winning plays will have a path to contribute. That sounds an awful lot like the player Scheierman has been so far.
Stevens has always valued smart, unselfish basketball. When he coached, he leaned on players who could move the ball, switch on defense, and stay disciplined in high-pressure moments. Those values haven’t changed just because he’s moved into the front office. In fact, they’ve only become more important now that he’s building the team’s depth chart. With salary cap limitations and an expensive top-end core, the Celtics need affordable players who can contribute. Summer League becomes more than just a development tool—it’s a key piece of roster construction.
Behind Scheierman, the Celtics’ Summer League squad is filled with hopefuls. Some are on two-way deals, some are recent draft picks, and others are long shots trying to stick in the league. It’s a competitive environment, one where every possession matters. And it’s also where chemistry can make or break a player’s case. While individual stats are useful, coaches are just as interested in how players fit together. That’s where Scheierman has stood out most. He doesn’t dominate the ball, but he makes plays when needed. He doesn’t chase blocks or steals, but he rotates on time. He’s not loud, but his game speaks volumes.
It’s also worth noting how his presence has elevated the players around him. Lineups with Scheierman tend to move the ball better. There’s more spacing, more drive-and-kick action, and more second efforts on defense. That’s a hard thing to measure, but the eye test tells you it’s real. When a rookie can make his teammates better, that’s when the coaching staff really starts to take notice.
Stevens also touched on the larger roster implications, hinting at the decisions that lie ahead. The Celtics have a few open spots, and how they choose to fill them will likely depend on what happens in Las Vegas. If someone like Scheierman continues to show he can handle minutes at the NBA level, it gives the team options—whether that’s a lighter reliance on veterans, or simply having a different mix of skills on the bench. Every team wants versatility, but few actually find it in young players. Scheierman is making a case that he might be one of those rare finds.
Of course, not everything has been perfect. His shooting, while improving, still has room to grow. He’s had a few sloppy turnovers, particularly when pressured by quicker guards. And defensively, while fundamentally sound, he’ll need to prove he can keep up with elite NBA athletes. These are normal rookie challenges, and the encouraging part is how he’s responded to them. Instead of shying away from mistakes, he’s learning from them in real time. That kind of maturity is what sets players apart at this stage.
The Celtics have other players worth watching, but so far, none have shown the full balance of skills and composure that Scheierman has. Whether it’s big men trying to prove they can protect the rim, or wings trying to hit open shots and defend on the perimeter, the competition is stiff. But in a crowded field, Scheierman has managed to separate himself by simply playing smart, effective basketball.
