Baylor Scheierman Shines in Celtics Starting Lineup: Could Boston's Breakout Guard Be the Season's Secret Weapon?

Baylor Scheierman’s rapid rise from deep-rotation rookie to credible starter is giving the Boston Celtics an unexpected February jolt. The 6-6 wing was plugged into Sunday’s starting five against the New York Knicks after Sam Hauser was ruled out with a back issue, marking Scheierman’s seventh start since Jan. 12 and only the eighth of his NBA career so far. Scheierman rewarded that faith three nights earlier by recording 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal in a 114-93 win over Houston—his first professional double-double and a snapshot of the do-everything style that made him a second-round steal in 2024. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the former Creighton standout for becoming “a utility guy for us defensively” who can switch assignments, crash the glass and space the floor with a reliable left-handed stroke. Scheierman credits that growth to film study and seizing every minute he earns. “I’m just out there trying to impact the game in whatever way necessary,” he said after a recent win over Sacramento, noting improvements in reading ball-handlers and anticipating passing lanes. The numbers back him up: since Jan. 1 he’s shooting 41 percent from three while averaging 6.2 rebounds per 36 minutes, giving Boston valuable size on the perimeter. With Hauser day-to-day and the Celtics intent on managing Jayson Tatum’s workload down the stretch, Scheierman’s versatility could cement him in the playoff rotation. His rebounding helps a unit that ranks middle-of-the-pack in second-chance points, while his catch-and-shoot ability keeps defenses honest around Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Long term, Boston has already exercised Scheierman’s affordable $2.74 million team option for 2026-27, a sign they view the Nebraska native as more than a stop-gap piece. If his recent surge continues, the Celtics may have uncovered the kind of cost-controlled role player every contender covets: a heady, switchable forward who rebounds, defends and hits threes—all while still only 24 years old.