Celtics Fans Thrilled with Baylor Scheierman Draft Pick to Help Defend NBA Title

The defending NBA champion Boston Celtics have selected Creighton forward Baylor Scheierman with the No. 30 overall pick to close out first round action in the NBA draft on Wednesday.

The 6'6" Scheierman, who is 23 years old, averaged 18.5 points on 44.8 percent shooting (38.1 percent from three), 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists last year.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report ranked him 30th on his final big board, writing the following.

"Baylor Scheierman looking like the best player on the floor during NBA combine scrimmages was validating. More than not, standout performances in those games are positive indicators.

"But the questions for Scheierman were about translatability due to athletic limitations, and against NBA prospects and projected second-rounders, he had no trouble making shots, getting to where he needs to and rebounding.

"He's deserving of first-round interest based on proven shooting and high-level ball-screen skill, a combination good for a connector role. The boards, toughness and leadership just help his outlook scream pro a little louder."

He couldn't have landed in a much better place than Boston, which looks primed to compete for championships for years to come with the core in place.

It's a great place for the ex-Bluejay to learn and develop, and the pressure won't be on him to provide a massive contribution right away with the team already stocked with talent in the starting lineup and bench.

Still, this looks like a good fit on paper, and fans and analysts raved about the move.

As of now, the Celtics have one more pick remaining in the draft at No. 54 overall. The second round continues at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.