Scheierman Seizing Opportunity to Compete in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine. - Celtics fans are probably getting used to seeing frequent announcements about Baylor Scheierman getting recalled or assigned between Maine and Boston.  

As one of the Celtic’s players eligible for assignment to Maine, the 2024 first round draft pick has quickly grown accustomed to the back-and-forth travel between Portland and Boston. He’ll suit up for Maine one night and then be at TD Garden the very next day. That said, Scheierman knows his time in Maine is not a demotion.  

“It’s not a demotion, it’s an opportunity to play and get live reps and get better at your game so that when your number is called in Boston, you’re ready to go,” Scheierman explained.  

That’s a message the rookie from Creighton has been told not only by coaches, but also by previous players who have spent time with Maine before becoming regular contributors for Boston. Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh all have spent meaningful time in Maine along their road to Boston.  

"We do a thing where we try to study paths to the NBA for all types of guys and show them that it is possible. One of the first things we talked about is the vision we have here and what that looks like,” Maine Head Coach Tyler Lashbrook said.  

Scheierman is enjoying his time in Portland with Boston’s G League affiliate. Lashbrook described the rookie as a “Soldier” who’s always eager to hoop and find ways to get better.  

“He's a competitor. He competes at all times,” Lashbrook said.  

Scheierman said his focus is on bringing energy to the Celtics, and he’s done just that primarily through his ability to shoot and rebound. He’s also done that by coming off the bench for Maine. Both player and coach agree it’s important for Scheierman’s development that the team replicates a role with Boston as much as possible.  

"We're replicating a lot of the stuff that he would do in Boston in terms of his pregame routine, his rotations, and all that stuff,” Lashbrook explained. “For him, it's about doing the same things that we would ask him to do in Boston in terms of making the right read every time on offense and his rebounding.” 

Scheierman added, "I'm focused on bringing energy, defending, rebounding, and hitting open shots. Coming off the bench here I think is really good in terms of staying ready mentally and then when I come in, I'm ready to play." 

The Hastings, Nebraska native played five years in college, three with South Dakota State and two seasons at Creighton. Whether it’s one and done, or a long collegiate career, each player has a unique path to the NBA that brings new challenges.  

"I think it's another step up, things to learn. The NBA game is a lot different from college and just learning that,” Scheierman said.  

 “The reality is the way the NBA goes is different than anything they've ever seen before,” Lashbrook added. “The other thing is older players still have a lot of room to develop, and I think that often gets overlooked." 

Scheierman has played in nine of Maine's 14 games in the G League Tip-Off Tournament, and he's been one of Maine’s top playmakers. He’s second on the team in scoring at 18.6 points per game and second on the team in rebounding at 6.6 RPG. Scheierman has also been one of the top shot makers from deep in the G League.

"It's just fun to play. I really enjoy being up here. I really enjoy the team. It's just a joy to play with a group like that and the best reps are live reps and I’m just really enjoying getting that freedom to play up here."