The Boston Celtics know what Baylor Scheierman can do offensively. Even when it comes to an individual's strengths, there's room for growth. However, there is an earned trust in what he provides as a shooter and facilitator.
Since he first joined the team as a rookie last season, he has been vocal about his desire to prove himself on the other side of the ball. He spoke about that determination at Summer League. At media day, he reiterated that it has been a point of emphasis for him this offseason.
Scheierman has also added muscle this summer. It's the continuation of a significant transformation to a lean, sculpted physique. That will serve him well in his quest to earn a reputation as an impactful player at both ends of the court.
At media day, when asked what he thinks people will be surprised to see from him this season, the second-year wing responded, "I'd probably just say defensively and being a playmaker and being able to use my instincts to make an impact on that side of the ball."
As Joe Mazzulla discussed with Hardwood Houdini, winning with intellect, instincts, and sound positioning is paramount to Scheierman's effectiveness on defense.
Joe Mazzulla details Baylor Scheierman's growth on defense
On the heels of day two at training camp at the Auerbach Center, the Celtics' bench boss shared with Hardwood Houdini what he has seen from the former Creighton Bluejay in terms of his defensive development since first joining the organization.
"Having a better understanding of angles, having a better understanding of tendencies, I think having a better understanding of NBA actions, knowing where to be on the floor, [and] how to do your work early," said Mazzulla.
"A lot of defense is really more about being in the right position before the play starts, and not waiting for the play to start. And that just kind of comes with time. So, he's done a great job in the film room. The staff has done a great job with him. But just have an understanding of angles. Understanding of positioning, understanding of doing your work early, before the play begins, and then having an awareness of who's on the floor, and the tendencies of a guy that you're guarding."
Given Boston's roster reset, Scheierman has an outstanding opportunity to earn more minutes and responsibilities this season. It's a chance he has worked diligently to capitalize on. The former first-round pick should feel better than ever about the tools he has to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Under the constraints of a punitive collective bargaining agreement, for a franchise built around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two stars on max contracts, there's an added importance for him to become a dependable part of their rotation.