Who are some legitimate NBA comps for Boston’s Baylor Scheierman?
Baylor Scheierman, the 30th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is a player shrouded in intrigue. Many draft analysts expected him to be taken earlier based on his impressive college career, where he was a dominant force for the Creighton Bluejays. His skillset – particularly his shooting prowess – has drawn comparisons to several established NBA players, but one name stands out above the rest.
Austin Ainge, the Celtics’ Assistant General Manager, believes that Scheierman’s game most closely resembles that of Joe Ingles. Ingles, a veteran sharpshooter, has carved out a successful career in the NBA, known for his exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities. This comparison raises several interesting questions: How similar are their games? What strengths and weaknesses do they share? And what does this comparison tell us about Scheierman’s potential in the NBA?
To answer these questions, we need to dig deeper into Scheierman’s game and compare his skillset to that of Ingles. Scheierman is an exceptional shooter, boasting a career 39.3% three-point shooting percentage in college. He is also a capable ball-handler, averaging over 3 assists per game in his senior year. While Ingles is a more experienced player with a more diverse skillset, their shooting percentages and playmaking styles show a clear resemblance.
- Baylor Scheierman, the 30th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, draws comparisons to Joe Ingles for his shooting prowess and playmaking abilities.
- Scheierman boasts a career 39.3% three-point shooting percentage in college and is a capable ball-handler, averaging over 3 assists per game in his senior year.
- Another NBA player with similarities to Scheierman is Sam Hauser, known for his shooting ability and creating space on the court.
- While Scheierman excels as a spot-up shooter, Hauser is more athletic and versatile in scoring.
- A potential comparison for Scheierman could also be Luke Kennard, who shares a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot.
- Kennard stands out for his better ball-handling skills compared to Scheierman.
Comparing Scheierman to Other NBA Players
While Ingles is Ainge’s go-to comparison, Scheierman’s game also bears similarities to other NBA players, including Sam Hauser, a current Celtics player who is also known for his shooting prowess. Both Scheierman and Hauser are excellent three-point shooters with the ability to create space for themselves. However, Hauser is a more athletic player, allowing him to attack the basket and score in a variety of ways. Scheierman is more of a spot-up shooter, relying heavily on his shooting ability to generate points.
Beyond Hauser, another potential comparison could be Luke Kennard. Kennard, like Scheierman, is a skilled shooter with a smooth release and the ability to knock down shots from distance. Both players are known for their ability to find space on the floor and create their own shot. However, Kennard is a better ball-handler and can create for himself more effectively than Scheierman. Still, the similarities in their shooting styles make Kennard a relevant comparison.
Finally, some have also drawn comparisons to Duncan Robinson, the Miami Heat sharpshooter. Robinson, like Scheierman, is a specialist three-point shooter, known for his ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court. Both players are also excellent catch-and-shoot players, able to quickly release the ball and get a shot off. However, Robinson is a more athletic player, capable of making plays off the dribble and attacking the basket. Scheierman, on the other hand, is more of a pure shooter, relying heavily on his shooting ability to make an impact on the game.
What does this mean for Scheierman?
These comparisons offer valuable insights into Scheierman’s potential in the NBA. While he may not be a star player like Ingles, he has the potential to develop into a valuable role player, contributing significantly with his shooting ability. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots from distance could be a valuable asset to a Celtics team that relies heavily on perimeter shooting. However, he will need to continue developing his game, especially his ball-handling and playmaking abilities, to reach his full potential.
It’s important to note that these comparisons are just that – comparisons. Scheierman is his own player, with his own unique skillset and potential. Comparing him to other players can help us understand his game, but it’s crucial to remember that he is not a carbon copy of any of these players. His journey in the NBA is just beginning, and only time will tell how his career will unfold.
The Importance of Defense
While Scheierman’s shooting prowess is a major asset, it’s important to acknowledge that he faces challenges on the defensive end. While his college coach, Greg McDermott, believes he fits the mold of Danny Green, a known defensive specialist, Scheierman will need to prove his defensive capabilities in the NBA. The league’s elite guards and wings are incredibly skilled, and Scheierman will need to develop his defensive instincts and physicality to compete at that level.
His lack of elite athleticism and size could be a challenge defensively against bigger, stronger guards and wings. He will need to rely on his basketball IQ, positioning, and hustle to make up for his physical limitations. This aspect of his game will be crucial to his success in the NBA.
Looking Forward
Baylor Scheierman’s journey in the NBA is just beginning. He is a player with a lot of potential, but he will need to work hard to develop his game and prove himself at the highest level. His shooting ability is a major asset, but he will need to improve his ball-handling, playmaking, and defensive skills to reach his full potential. The comparisons to Ingles, Hauser, Kennard, and Robinson provide a glimpse into his potential, but it’s ultimately up to him to carve his own path in the NBA.
Time will tell how Scheierman’s career unfolds, but the Celtics have acquired a player with a high ceiling and the potential to be a valuable contributor for years to come. With hard work and dedication, Scheierman can become a key piece of the Celtics’ puzzle, contributing his shooting prowess and developing into a well-rounded player.
