Last season, the Boston Celtics relied heavily on the 3-point shot, leading the league in attempts. It was fitting, then, that they selected another proficient shooter in the 2024 NBA Draft. With the 30th overall pick, the Celtics chose 23-year-old Baylor Scheierman from Creighton University.
Standing 6-foot-7, Scheierman brings five years of collegiate experience, more than most rookies, making him older than some current Celtics like Jordan Walsh, Jaden Springer, and JD Davison.
Coming off a championship win, Boston benefits from having a mature player who can adapt quickly to the NBA. Additionally, Scheierman’s exceptional shooting skills can facilitate a smoother transition for him into the league.
Before this 2024 All-American starts his NBA journey, let’s examine his college achievements and evaluate the Celtics’ first-round choice in the 2024 NBA Draft.
### Boston Celtics 2024 NBA Draft Evaluation
**Grade: A-**
The Nebraska native spent his first three college years at South Dakota State, where he gradually emerged as a standout player. In his final season with the Jackrabbits, he achieved a 50.8% field goal percentage and an impressive 46.9% from beyond the arc.
After his breakout season, Scheierman transferred to Creighton University, joining the Big East Conference. Transitioning from the Summit League to one of the nation’s most competitive conferences was challenging, but Scheierman excelled.
From being the Summit League Player of the Year in 2022, he became a First-team All-Big East player in 2024. Among his notable peers were Devin Carter, picked 13th overall by the Sacramento Kings, and Tyler Kolek, who is projected as a second-round pick this year.
In his final season at Creighton, Scheierman shot 38.1% from 3-point range, averaging 18.5 points (a career high), nine rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game during the 2023-24 season.
Scheierman proved his ability to thrive under the pressure of the Big East and now faces the challenge of the NBA (and potentially the G-League). His shooting prowess is crucial for Boston, aligning with head coach Joe Mazzulla’s strategy of prioritizing the 3-point game.
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