Baylor Scheierman is forcing Boston to take a harder look at its starting five.
The Celtics had to work for it on Wednesday night, digging out of a 22-point hole before beating the Toronto Raptors 98-93. It came one night after a strong win over the Philadelphia 76ers, and the back-to-back test showed plenty about Boston’s response. Toronto was missing Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard, but the Celtics still had to show some grit to finish the job.
Scheierman was one of the biggest reasons they did. With Paul George out because of an illness, the third-year forward got the start and made the most of it.
He finished with 9 points on 3-for-5 shooting, with all of his makes coming from deep. He also added seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
That kind of line fits the way Scheierman has been trending lately. After a rough opening to the season, he has settled in during November.
Over his last seven games, the Creighton product is averaging 8 points while shooting 51.4% from the field and 56% from three, along with 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists. It’s a small sample, but after a solid sophomore campaign, Boston could use this version of Scheierman.
The bigger question now is whether he should keep the job.
Boston’s starting group is mostly locked in. Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Paul George are set, while Neemias Queta has taken over as the starting center after Mitchell Robinson began the season in that role before moving back to the bench. Jordan Walsh has usually filled out the fifth spot.
Scheierman has a real argument for that opening, though. His edge over Walsh comes on offense, while Walsh brings more on the defensive end.
For this group, the offensive boost may matter more. Outside of Tatum and George, the scoring can get uneven at times.
Queta has limitations on that side of the floor, and White hasn’t gotten off to his best start.
That’s where Scheierman can help. He gives Boston one of its better shooting threats, and he can handle the ball some, too.
He’s also shown a knack for helping on the glass, which has been one of the more unexpected parts of his recent stretch. The Nebraska native keeps competing for rebounds, and that effort has stood out for a team that places so much value on that area.
Earlier this month against the Milwaukee Bucks, he grabbed 11 boards.
Boston won’t have to make the call right away. After playing back-to-back games and finishing a four-game road trip, the Celtics have three days off before hosting Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, November 15th. That game will give them another chance to see whether Scheierman stays with the starters.
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