Morning Sports Update

Here’s how NBA Draft experts graded the Celtics’ picking Baylor Scheierman

"He's a steal for Brad Stevens."

Baylor Scheierman Celtics draft grades
Baylor Scheierman during a Creighton-Oregon NCAA Tournament game in March. AP Photo/Matt Freed

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

Celtics draft grades: The defending champion Celtics waited around for a while before getting to pick 30th in Wednesday night’s first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Boston eventually used the pick to select Creighton wing Baylor Scheierman.

Scheierman, who helped Creighton reach the Sweet 16 in this year’s NCAA Tournament, is the only men’s Division-I player to have recorded at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 3-pointers.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 205 pounds, he hit 39 percent of this three-point shots during his college career, averaging 18.5 points and 9 rebounds per game in his final season.

Experts approved of the draft pick, with several grading the choice with high marks. Here’s a quick look at some of the Celtics draft grades:

Advertisement:

CBS Sports: A-

“This is a great fit for them,” said CBS analyst Adam Finkelstein, citing his spacing, shooting, and decision-making.

Fox Sports: A+

“Yes, the world champions get a top grade because when you’re in the 30th slot in the draft, finding the best available talent is the way to go,” wrote Fox Sport’s John Fanta.

“He’s a steal for Brad Stevens.”

NBC Sports: B-

“Scheierman landing in Boston is a perfect match,” said NBC’s Noah Rubin. “He’s a cerebral player that shoots lights out from beyond the arc, so he may be able to quickly become a bench piece for a talented roster. The Celtics weren’t going to land a superstar at this pick, but Scheierman is an older prospect that should be able to contribute in a bench role early on.”

Advertisement:

The Ringer: B

“There’s no debating Scheierman’s 3-point accuracy, but it’s the versatility of his shooting that was the draw for Boston: catch-and-shoot, off movement, off the dribble, stepbacks. You name it, Scheierman is ready and willing to pull the trigger,” wrote Kevin O’Connor.

Sports Illustrated: B+

“The league-winning Celtics added fiery 3-point shooting and passing at the draft this year, two things their opponents likely won’t want more of,” per Sports Illustrated Derek Parker.

Yahoo Sports: A

“Scheierman’s shot creation and size as a perimeter player is what shot him inside the first round,” observed Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports.

Trivia: The Celtics walked away from the 1956 NBA Draft with three future Hall of Fame players. One was obviously Bill Russell. Another was K.C. Jones. Can you name the third?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He was selected a “territorial pick” from a local school.

More from Boston.com:

Kevin Garnett’s pre-draft story: Garnett, the first high school player to enter the NBA Draft in more than 20 years (when he did it in 1995), received both good and bad responses at his pre-draft workout. Eventually, of course, Garnett won over his skeptics.

Think fast: Dodgers bat boy Javier Herrera may have saved Shohei Ohtani from getting hit by a foul ball, impressively catching it with bare hands during the 4-0 win over the White Sox on Wednesday.

On this day: In 1999, Tony Hawk became the first person to land a 900 in competition, winning best trick at the X Games. Of course, this accomplishment has become more normalized in the ensuing years, but Hawk remains the original pioneer.

Daily highlight: Yaniv Bazini scored a bicycle kick for Vermont Green FC (playing in USL League Two) during a 5-0 win on Wednesday.

One more look from a better angle:

Trivia answer: Tommy Heinsohn

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com