Coming off an NBA Championship most of the Celtics rotation is solidified. However, the Celtics have several intriguing young players who could compete for minutes. Let’s examine each player and determine what their role will be this upcoming season.
What To Expect From The Celtics Young Players
Baylor Scheierman
First-round pick Baylor Scheierman is the lone new addition to the Celtics. Scheierman’s well-rounded skill set and knack for three-point shooting could allow him to make an immediate impact. While the Celtics have a loaded wing rotation Scheierman could thrive in a smaller role. With Oshae Brissett’s return still up in the air, Scheierman could slide into those 11.8 minutes per game perhaps even more.
Scheierman’s three-point shooting has drawn comparisons to Sam Hauser. It’s unclear if Scheierman will play alongside Hauser due to their similar skill sets. Nevertheless, this archetype has proven to be successful in Boston’s system. In summer league play he averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, on .362/.294/.750 shooting splits. Scheierman’s three-point shooting will have to move closer to his college average of 39 percent. Overall, his shooting combined with high-level rebounding and playmaking make him an easy fit with any lineup.
Jaden Springer
Jaden Springer is a 21-year-old guard with solid upside. While Springer is already a high-level perimeter defender his offense needs to catch up. In 17 games with the Celtics last year Springer averaged 7.6 minutes. Notably, Springer shined in summer league play averaging 23 points and six assists while shooting 50 percent from three. If Springer improves his jumper he could be a legit rotational player. However, the Celtics have a loaded guard rotation making it tough to find minutes for Springer. He will likely receive 10-plus minutes in select games early in the season. Regardless, Springer will have to provide consistent offense if he can ever truly crack the Celtics rotation.
Neemias Queta
With Kristaps Porzingis out for the start of the season, Neemias Queta could receive a boost in minutes. Last year Queta appeared in 28 games and received 11.8 minutes. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old big man showed plenty of flashes, especially as a shot blocker and rebounder. Queta is a constant double-double threat. He averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and .8 blocks last season. Additionally, the Celtics bringing Queta back on a standard contract is a promising sign.
Queta was on a two-way deal for the majority of last season before earning a standard contract in April. During the portion of the season when Porzingis is out Queta will receive plenty of minutes. Especially in games where Al Horford sits out due to rest. As an athletic rim runner, Queta is an exciting big-man archetype for the Celtics. While Queta was fairly raw on both ends of the floor this past season another year of development could benefit him. If Queta shines in this early opportunity it’s possible he can sneak into the Celtics full-time rotation likely replacing Luke Kornet.
Jordan Walsh
The Celtics 2023 second-round pick didn’t get many minutes in his rookie year. Jordan Walsh only appeared in nine games for a total of 83 minutes. However, Walsh is now a standard contract opening a possibility for minutes. Walsh will likely compete with Scheierman for rotational minutes. With Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk likely not coming back, 10-12 minutes in certain games could be open for both wings. Walsh’s defensive prowess and versatility could help him earn some minutes.
In the G-League last year Walsh averaged 14.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shot 34 percent from beyond the arc. However, in summer league Walsh only averaged nine points, on .291/.133/.529 shooting splits. The 13 percent from three is particularly concerning. If Walsh hopes to be anything more than a low-minute defensive energy guy his three-point shot will have to develop.
The Last Word
Considering the Celtics stacked roster, it’s unlikely any of these young players will find a consistent role in the Celtics’ rotation especially in the playoffs. Nonetheless, all of them will be given some opportunity in the regular season. Ultimately, Scheierman and Queta have the best chance of finding a sizable role.
