Joe Mazzulla Delivers Message To Celtics First-Round Pick Baylor Scheierman

Boston Celtics first-round draft pick Baylor Scheierman was an elite shooter, solid defender and exceptional rebounder in college.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is looking for the Creighton product to do more of that in the pros.

It’s actually what Mazzulla emphasized to Scheierman when he caught up with the 6-foot-7 guard recently at the Celtics practice facility while Scheierman gets acclimated to NBA life and prepares to play in the Summer League.

“From afar, looks like a fun coach to play for,” Scheierman told reporters Monday, per WEEI’s Justin Turpin. “Talked to him a little bit in the locker room. He was like, ‘Hey, shoot threes, play D and rebound.’ I was like, ‘Sounds good.'”

The message from Mazzulla should allow Scheierman to play free as he tries to earn a spot in Boston’s very crowded and talented rotation.

Scheierman sure fits into the way Mazzulla wants to play. He is most known for his tremendous, lefty shooting stroke. He shot 38.1% from 3-point range on 8.3 attempts per game in his final season with the Bluejays and finished college as a career 39% shooter from beyond the arc.

Most shooters like Scheierman aren’t strong rebounders, but that’s not the case with the 23-year-old. He routinely attacks the glass, especially on the defensive end, and became the first player in Division I history with at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 3-pointers in his career. 

There’s still plenty of room for Scheierman to grow, though, and he is eager to do so under Mazzulla’s watchful eye.

“I’m excited,” Scheierman said. “Obviously, a tremendous person and coach. So excited to learn from him.”