Why Baylor Scheierman is a perfect fit with the Boston Celtics

As basketball fans, there are certain players we gravitate toward and find ourselves mesmerized by every time we watch them compete.

Sometimes, the draw is obvious. They may be from our state, the same height as us or play with a passion that resonates.

For others, that special quality is less tangible and more based on a gut feeling. We can’t really pinpoint it, but whenever they’re playing, we’re glued to the TV. We don’t remember exactly when it started, but as the player’s fame grows, we remember with pride that we were there from the beginning.

For me, Baylor Scheierman is one of those players. He’s one of my favorite college players of all-time. He’ll fit in perfectly on a Celtics team that prides itself on its shooting, spacing, versatility and togetherness.

When I started seeing him as a potential late-first-round pick, my eyes lit up. This man was born to be a Celtic. Late Wednesday night, he was still there, but part of me still expected Brad Stevens and the Celtics to trade the pick.

Once Scheierman was announced, I found myself nodding and smiling. It all just made sense.

Here’s why I love his game so much:

First off, he’s a lights-out shooter with special range. That’s his best asset, and I believe it will translate immediately to the NBA. He’s a career 39 percent 3-point shooter and shot a ridiculous 46.9 percent from distance as a junior. His lefty stroke provides a different look, and he can bury jumpers both off the catch and off the dribble.

Next, he’s sneakily 6 feet, 6 inches, 205 pounds, and rebounding is one of his best assets. He averaged 9 boards a game for Creighton this past season and did much of his damage in the paint. He’s the NCAA leader in defensive rebounds over the past 25 seasons, with 1,140. So if you’re pegging him as just a pure shooter, think again.

Scheierman also has excellent vision, a terrific feel for the game and thrives in traffic. He’s capable of playing 1 through 3 and could be used periodically as a backup point guard long term. I believe he slots as a natural NBA 2, but don’t sleep on his playmaking ability. He’s used to drawing so much attention that he’s developed an ability to pass out of the double. Yes, he was a high school quarterback, which doesn’t hurt.

The best comparison I’ve seen is Joe Ingles – a crafty, methodical, highly intelligent lefty who finds little cracks and crevices to contribute to winning. He’s one of those players who can give you whatever the team needs. If you need him to drop 30 (in college), he will. If you need him to get 10 assists, he will. If you need him to get 15 rebounds, he will.

So wait a minute, why did this guy drop until the end of the first round? Should we induct him to the Hall of Fame now? Well, OK, there are some question marks pertaining to the NBA.

I disagree with the folks that have insinuated that he’s a poor defender. I’ve watched him a lot, and that’s not accurate in my opinion. He has good instincts, competes hard and has a knack for poking the ball away. But, there is some truth to the fact that he may struggle guarding certain NBA players. I don’t think he’ll be outmatched against fellow shooters, but if he has to stick shifty point guards or overpowering bigs on occasion, it may be tough.

I believe Scheierman has some Payton Pritchard and some Sam Hauser in him, and the Celtics have turned both players into reliable defenders. There’s no reason Scheierman can’t become one himself.

Another doubt people have is his age (23), but I’ve never put too much stock into that. If you can play, you can play. Sure, a 19-year-old prospect may have more untapped upside, but Scheierman is more NBA-ready than the vast majority of players in this year’s class.

So, what should we expect from him? Well, it will obviously be tough to crack the rotation this year, but I wouldn’t rule it out entirely. If he proves himself, that could mean the Celtics have a potential Hauser replacement. I love Hauser’s game, and am not trying to boot him out by any means, but Scheierman does check many of the same boxes on paper. Plus, he’s a bit more mobile and elusive.

Again, I’m not saying Scheierman is Steph Curry, but I suspect you’ll have a similar reaction to mine when you watch him. The simplest way I can say it is that the man knows how to ball. We’ll see if he lasts, but no matter how it shakes out, I firmly believe this was an excellent pick.