When Baylor Scheierman stepped into the Boston Celtics’ Auerbach Center as the No. 30 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he was greeted by none other than Jayson Tatum, signing his supermax deal, per CelticsBlog on May 28, 2025. What followed was a season of mentorship, wrist celebrations, and confidence-building from the six-time All-Star, transforming Scheierman from a G League prospect into a playoff contributor. With Tatum now sidelined by a ruptured Achilles for much of 2025-26, Scheierman’s poised for a bigger role. How did Tatum’s guidance shape the rookie’s breakout, and what does it mean for Boston’s future? This analysis explores their bond, Scheierman’s growth, and the Celtics’ championship aspirations, diving into a story of leadership and legacy.
The Celtics’ 2024-25 season culminated in a 60-22 record and an Eastern Conference Finals run, driven by Tatum’s 30.1 PPG and Jaylen Brown’s All-NBA play, per ESPN. Scheierman, a Creighton alum known for his sharpshooting, joined a stacked roster and leaned on Tatum’s wisdom from day one, per CelticsBlog. Their friendship, marked by the iconic wrist celebration born in the Orlando Magic playoff series, became a fan favorite, per NBC Sports Boston. As Tatum faces a long recovery, Scheierman’s 47.4% three-point shooting in March 2025 positions him as a potential rotation star, per StatMuse. This analysis delves into Tatum’s mentorship, Scheierman’s rookie journey, the wrist celebration’s origin, and what lies ahead for Boston, with X posts like @CelticsPride amplifying their chemistry.
Tatum’s Mentorship: A Superstar’s Guidance
From their first meeting, Tatum was an open book for Scheierman. “He was there for me to talk to,” Scheierman told CelticsBlog, recalling advice on navigating Summer League. Tatum’s accessibility continued, with tips on spacing and game instincts. In March 2025, Tatum praised Scheierman’s “very high IQ” and ability to “use his body” despite limited athleticism, per the source. This mentorship mirrored Tatum’s own growth under Kyrie Irving in 2017-18, per Bleacher Report. X posts like @BostonCeltics highlight Tatum’s leadership, noting his post-game talks with Scheierman after a 22-point outing vs. Miami. Tatum’s encouragement—“be confident, shoot when open”—fueled Scheierman’s late-season surge, averaging 6.3 PPG on 48.8% FG, per CelticsBlog.
Scheierman’s Rookie Journey: From G League to Playoffs
Scheierman’s path wasn’t easy. The 24-year-old spent the first half of 2024-25 with the Maine Celtics, averaging 15.2 PPG and 7.1 RPG in the G League, per NBA.com. Called up full-time in January 2025, he seized opportunities amid injuries to Derrick White, posting a 47.4% three-point clip in March, per StatMuse. His hustle and versatility—3.2 RPG and 1.8 APG—earned coach Joe Mazzulla’s trust, per Yahoo Sports. Scheierman credited Tatum’s constant support, saying, “He was in my ear telling me to be aggressive,” per CelticsBlog. X posts from @CelticsCentral celebrate Scheierman’s “sniper” shooting, with a 5-for-7 three-point game vs. Charlotte. His playoff cameo, including a clutch corner three, showcased his readiness, per NBC Sports Boston.
The Wrist Celebration: A Symbol of Camaraderie
The Tatum-Scheierman bond shone brightest in the playoffs against Orlando. After Tatum sprained his wrist in Game 1 and sat out Game 2, he returned averaging 36 PPG, per ESPN. Scheierman, inspired by Tatum’s dominance, created the wrist celebration—raising his wrist post-threes to taunt, “I’m still cooking,” per CelticsBlog. Tatum adopted it, crediting Scheierman in a presser, saying, “Good stuff, rook,” per the source. When Scheierman hit a playoff three, Tatum mirrored the gesture from the bench, per Yahoo Sports. X posts like @NBCSBoston went viral, with fans dubbing it “the wrist wave.” This moment, born from mutual respect, became a cultural touchstone for Celtics Nation, per Boston Globe.
Looking Ahead: Scheierman’s Role Without Tatum
Tatum’s Achilles injury, sustained in the 2025 ECF, will likely sideline him for most of 2025-26, per ESPN. Scheierman, now a rotation candidate, could fill the scoring void alongside Brown and Jrue Holiday, per CelticsBlog. His March stats—6.3 PPG, 47.4% 3P—suggest he can stretch defenses, per StatMuse. Mazzulla’s system, which thrives on spacing (Celtics led with 42.5% 3P in 2024-25), suits Scheierman’s skillset, per NBA.com. However, replacing Tatum’s 30.1 PPG and playmaking is daunting, with @CelticsInsider on X warning, “Baylor’s good, but he’s no JT.” Boston’s pursuit of Torrey Craig, per CelticsBlog, signals depth concerns. Scheierman’s ability to sustain his confidence, instilled by Tatum, will be critical, per Yahoo Sports.
Risks and Broader Implications
Scheierman’s rise carries risks. His G League-heavy start raises questions about NBA consistency, with opponents exploiting his 6’7” frame’s lack of elite athleticism, per Bleacher Report. Boston’s championship window, narrowed by Tatum’s injury and Holiday’s free agency rumors, demands Scheierman step up, per CelticsBlog. The wrist celebration, while iconic, risks fading without Tatum’s on-court presence, per Boston Globe. Yet, Scheierman’s work ethic—honed at Creighton with 2,233 career points—positions him as a long-term asset, per ESPN. Boston’s 2022 title run, driven by Tatum’s growth, shows mentorship’s lasting impact, per Yahoo Sports. If Scheierman thrives, Tatum’s legacy as a leader will extend beyond stats, per @CelticsPride on X.
Jayson Tatum’s mentorship turned Baylor Scheierman from a late draft pick into a Celtics sparkplug, with their wrist celebration symbolizing a bond that electrified Boston fans. As Tatum recovers from injury, Scheierman’s poised to carry the torch, but can he fill the void of a superstar? This tale of guidance and grit reflects the Celtics’ championship culture. Will Scheierman’s rise honor Tatum’s legacy, or will Boston’s title hopes falter?