Boston Celtics: Unheralded Weapon Predicted to Surprise Alongside Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown

May 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts during the first quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals against the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports 

The Boston Celtics have targets on their back. As the reigning NBA champions, the Celtics have everyone’s attention. But taking down the Celtics is going to be easier said than done, considering that Boston remains stacked with elite talent.

Jayson Tatum is still there as well as Jaylen Brown. The same can be said about Derrick White, Jruie Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Boston Celtics may get a surprise contribution from a rookie

Oct 13, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Baylor Scheierman (55) saves the ball from going out of bounds during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

With a handful of proven veterans and contributors, the Celtics might have a surprise up their sleeves in the form of rookie guard Baylor Scheierman.Jay King of The Athletic believes that Scheierman can be the Celtics’ surprise of the 2024-25 NBA season:

Baylor Scheierman will contribute: The Celtics, who return 13 players from a championship team, don’t have much space in their rotation and are not in a place to prioritize the development of young players. Scheierman, the team’s first-round pick, will still find his way onto the floor.

His sharpshooting might draw the headlines, but his quick thinking and smart play will turn him into a helpful complementary piece immediately. After putting on 10-15 pounds over the offseason to handle NBA physicality, his defense won’t be bad enough to stop him from landing opportunities to play.

Oct 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Baylor Scheierman (55) attempts a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Celtics took Scheierman in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft as the 30th overall pick. After playing three seasons with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Scheierman transferred to the Big East to play his final two college seasons with the Creighton Bluejays.

During his time with the Bluejays, Scheierman averaged 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while connecting on 37.3 percent of his attempts from behind the arc.

Oct 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Baylor Scheierman (55) attempts a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images