Maine's Jordan Schakel Eager for Season to Start After Injury Setback

PORTLAND, Maine - The NBA G League season tips off this weekend and Maine's Jordan Schakel is champing at the bit to get started.

"Definitely excited," Schakel said. "We've been competing hard all training camp and beating each other up a little bit, so it's always good to do that to somebody else, be able to cheer on your teammates and play in a real game. It should be fun."

Schakel begins his fourth season in the G League after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. Before the injury, Schakel was averaging 13.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 24 appearances for the Celtics. When Maine made a run to the G League Finals against Oklahoma City, Schakel was stuck on the sidelines. Still, that didn't stop him from showing up every day to support his teammates during their championship run.

"I wanted to show support for my teammates and coaches. We had such a good group last year that supported me throughout the whole year, and I wanted to return the favor and be there for them. We had a phenomenal run that felt like a college environment where you are so close to your teammates, and I wanted to be there for them even though I wasn't playing."

The Celtics could have used Schakel's lights out shooting in that championship series against OKC. Schakel connected on 40.2% of his shots from deep in 2023-24. Fellow sharpshooter and Celtics two-way player Drew Peterson said Schakel is one of the elite shooters in the G League.

"He has one of the prettiest jump shots I've ever seen," Peterson said. "Even if the shot is contested, it's a good look for him. It's a huge asset to have going into the season and we trust him to take and make any shot. It's unbelievable to have."

"I want to continue on that trend," Schakel added. "I want to shoot 50-40-90 and trend in that direction and continue to improve on the defensive end as well."

Schakel is one of four returning players for Maine this season. His career in the G League began with the Capital City Go-Go in 2021-22. The guard returned to Capital City in 2022-23 before he was traded to the Santa Cruz Warriors. Now in his second stint in Portland, the former San Diego State standout said having some continuity in his career helps him on the court.

"I love how peaceful it is (Portland). I love how you can focus on what you need to focus on and really take advantage of the coaches and the resources that they have here. We all are here to improve our stock, improve our career, and if you are in a big city, you can get caught up in living a different life. We're here, we're grinding in a G League city, and taking full advantage."

Schakel also believes some of that continuity on the Celtics roster should help Maine get off to a strong start.

"I think it helps a lot. Going into the year with chemistry in the G League where rosters change over, you can never predict what will happen, but even having that little bit of familiarity with the four guys coming back I think will help us to have a good start."

Maine’s regular season tips off on November 8 on the road against the Long Island Nets.  Maine will host the Westchester Knicks in the Celtics' home opener on November 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Portland Expo. Tickets to opening weekend are available here.