Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez have already found a rhythm together in Boston, and it’s built on more than just being the Celtics’ last two first-round picks. There’s the usual playful needling that comes with any close friendship, but there’s also a real edge to it. Each one is driving the other forward.
Scheierman has come a long way to get here. His rise from South Dakota State to a breakout year with the Celtics last season came after a college path that started with him not even being on Creighton’s radar, despite growing up near the university, before he ultimately starred there. That kind of climb says a lot about his work ethic and determination.
Gonzalez’s path has been different, but no less demanding. He left Madrid for the United States at 19, adjusted quickly to a new country, and had to learn a far different style of basketball on the fly. For two players wired the way these two are, having somebody right there pushing back matters.
“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."
That competitive bond is part of what makes both players interesting as they keep carving out bigger roles.
Scheierman knows exactly what already gives him value: hustle plays, extra possessions, and the kind of effort that can swing minutes in Boston’s favor. But he also wants more.
He’s aiming to become a stronger playmaker, and learning from veteran teammate and former All-Star Mike Conley is helping him sharpen his reads with the ball in his hands. With his vision, comfort operating off the dribble, and ability to hit 3s off the bounce, he has the tools to make that next jump.
He showed some of that in Boston’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a 124-113 win. With eight players inactive, including Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Paul George, Scheierman handled a bigger on-ball burden and finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Gonzalez made his own case in that same victory. Joe Mazzulla said at training camp that he wants the second-year wing to trust his catch-and-shoot game and let it fly with confidence. Against Cleveland, Gonzalez scored 15 points on 5/9 shooting, including three makes from six attempts beyond the arc.
Mazzulla also wants him to keep attacking closeouts. Gonzalez has the size, strength, and athleticism to get into the paint, finish at the rim, or create for someone else. That, too, is part of the appeal with him, just as Scheierman’s growth as a playmaker could be a key piece of his own rise.
For now, the Celtics have two young wings pushing each other every day, and that internal competition looks like a real asset. Scheierman called it “true brotherhood,” and the way they’re feeding off one another gives Boston plenty of reason to be encouraged about what comes next.
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