While no one is grumbling after Brad Stevens built a powerhouse group that resulted in Banner No. 18, there was a curious footnote in the Stevens era: prior to the 2024 NBA Draft, Stevens has failed to make a first-round pick during his term as Celtics president.
That all changed on Wednesday, when the Celtics used their 30th pick to choose Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman. The 6-foot-7 wing should fit right in with the Celtics, though he may struggle to get into the rotation at first on this deep roster. But the C’s also maintained an eye on the future, and the 23-year-old Scheierman should have the opportunity to develop behind the scenes because he currently does a lot of things effectively.
Of course, it’s hardly a big thing that the Celtics haven’t made a first-round pick under Stevens. Instead of using some of those mid-to-late round picks, when it is more difficult to find an impact player, the front office chose to strengthen the squad. That’s natural, given the C’s are in win-now mode with a talented star duo in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Those moves also contributed significantly to the Celtics’ 2024 championship. Right after Stevens took over, he acquired Al Horford from the Thunder in exchange for a 2021 first-round selection. Then the C’s also got Derrick White from theSpurs traded away their 2022 first-round pick (along with a 2027 pick swap, which no one is moaning about anymore). Finally, the Celtics’ 2023 first-round draft pick was included in the Malcolm Brogdon exchange with Indiana. Brogdon turned out to be a terrific addition for the C’s, earning Sixth Man of the year honor.
Furthermore, Brogdon was a key component of the Jrue Holiday deal, which was finalized just days before training camp began last season. As Stevens stated on Tuesday, it will be difficult for any rookie to be a consistent member of the rotation. So any pick they make will also be with an eye on the future, as the Celtics hope.They have the potential to contribute in the future. While Scheierman appears to be a player who can contribute sooner rather than later, that is the C’s current goal with this heavy roster.
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