Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez, the Boston Celtics' last two first-round picks, quickly built a close bond. Like any friendship, there's a healthy dose of good-natured chirping. It's also a case of iron sharpening iron.
Scheierman's physical evolution propelled him from South Dakota State to a breakout season in Boston last year. His journey took him from not being on Creighton's radar, despite growing up near the University, to starring for them. That speaks to his determination and work ethic.
Gonzalez left Madrid for the United States at 19. He quickly acclimated to a new country and adapted to a dramatically different style of play. As driven as these two are, it helps to have someone pushing you.
"It comes out of a place of, like, we just really want the best for one another," said Scheierman. Like we want to see each other succeed, and, obviously, we're competitive people, and I think it just comes from a place of true brotherhood. He's like a little brother to me, and so, just wanting the best for one another, and it just pushes us to compete."
What's next for Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez?
Scheierman understands how important his hustle plays and ability to create extra possessions are for the Celtics. However, he also wants to have more of an impact as a playmaker.
Learning from his new veteran teammate and former All-Star, Mike Conley, is helping him sharpen his on-ball reads. Given his floor vision, comfort making plays off the dribble, and ability to knock down 3s off the bounce, Scheierman is well-equipped for that role.
In his team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a 124-113 win, the Nebraska native registered 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists. With eight players inactive, including primary ball handlers like Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Paul George, Scheierman performed well when orchestrating the offense.
As for Gonzalez, his head coach, Joe Mazzulla, said at training camp in Boston that he wants to see the second-year wing let the ball fly with confidence in catch-and-shoot situations. He finished with 15 points in Thursday's victory in Cleveland. He converted on 5/9 field goal attempts, including three of his six shots from beyond the arc.
Mazzulla also wants to see Gonzalez keep getting better at attacking closeouts. He has the athleticism, size, and strength to get into the paint and either finish at the rim or make a play for a teammate. Like with Scheierman, that leap as a playmaker could be a significant part of his ascent. As the Celtics' burgeoning wings continue to grow, working to build on how they made their mark last season, they'll be there to push each other every step of the way. That support and external motivation add to why one should have confidence in these two making another leap.
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