With the championship parade within the rear view mirror, the Boston Celtics have begun to stay up for the 2024-25 season and the beginning of their marketing campaign to repeat as NBA champions. That journey kicked off on Wednesday night time on the Barclay’s Heart in Brooklyn, because the Celtics used the thirtieth and last choose within the first spherical of the NBA Draft to pick Creighton ahead Baylor Scheierman.
A 6-foot-7, 205 pound ahead, Scheierman performed 5 years in faculty basketball, beginning his beginner profession with South Dakota State for 3 seasons earlier than transferring to Creighton for his last two. In his last season with the Bluejays, Scheierman averaged 18.5 factors on 45% capturing from the sector, connecting on 38% of his three-point makes an attempt on over eight makes an attempt per sport. He’s one of many oldest prospects on this yr’s draft, turning 24 in September.
The Celtics don’t precisely current a variety of alternative for younger gamers at the moment second. Stevens has been candid about an anticipated lack of main modifications for the workforce this offseason. The Celtics can be operating it again with their total main rotation from the championship season — and that’s a tough surroundings for a rookie to contribute.
“We’ve received a variety of guys again,” mentioned Stevens in a press convention this week. “It will likely be laborious for any draft choose to crack our rotation when wholesome.”
It’s not big information, however Brad Stevens signaled that nobody drafted this week is more likely to get minutes subsequent yr:
“It will likely be laborious for any draft choose to crack our rotation when wholesome.” pic.twitter.com/CwQ8iZ5Smt
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 25, 2024
Nonetheless, with the brand new restrictions positioned upon groups above the second tax apron beneath the brand new collective discount settlement (because the Celtics can be), figuring out and creating inexpensive younger expertise within the NBA Draft goes to show extra vital than ever. Scheierman is an skilled participant with a tangible ability — three-point capturing — and represents an inexpensive swing for the Celtics on the finish of the primary spherical.
Underneath the NBA’s new two-day draft format, the Celtics will return to the board tomorrow night time for his or her second-round choice. Barring a commerce, they’re lined as much as make choose #54 on Thursday night.
