Baylor Scheierman tells funny Joe Mazzulla story, reflects on rookie season

Baylor Scheierman spent the first half of his rookie season with the Maine Celtics. Then, in mid-January, the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft joined the parent club, ultimately clawing his way into the rotation in March.

March turned out to be a standout month for the former Creighton star — Scheierman averaged 6.3 points, shooting 48.8% from the field and 47.4% from three.

The run was highlighted by a 20-point outburst against the Brooklyn Nets on March 18th, in which he hit 6 of 7 three-pointer attempts. That outing came just a few weeks after a 15-point night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

“The Garden was definitely rocking that night,” Scheierman said in an interview with CLNS Media’s Garden Report. “That stretch of those two games definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into the remainder of the season, that I can do it. I never really didn’t think I could do it.”

Scheierman said he knew from the beginning that it would be difficult to make the Celtics rotation.

That’s because Joe Mazzulla blatantly told him that right after training camp.

“Before the season started, I had a meeting with him and he was pretty much like, ‘Listen, I don’t really like rookies, so you’re gonna have to battle this year, and that’s kind of how it is,’” Scheierman said. “And I was like, ‘All right, that’s all right.”

While some NBA players might have been turned off by that type of proclamation, Scheierman appreciated his new coach’s honesty.

“I really respect Joe, and I like his bluntness,” he said.

“That’s kind of how he coached me — just very blunt and just telling me how it is, and how it was gonna be, and I can appreciate that because then there’s no miscommunications about what’s going on or what’s to be expected.”

Baylor Scheierman could see a larger role in the rotation next season

Heading into his sophomore season, Scheierman could be due for a larger opportunity. While it’s not yet clear which Celtics will be on the roster next season, Jayson Tatum’s injury alone opens the door for more minutes for the versatile 24-year-old wing.

“It’s a challenge, but you just have to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities you get,” Scheierman said, noting that the goal is to get into Mazzulla’s circle of trust. “I knew coming into the year that opportunities are gonna be limited with bringing everybody back from a team that just won a championship… I was ready to make an impact when my number was called.”