For the first time in Brad Stevens’s tenure as general manager, the Celtics actually used their first-round pick, and their selection Wednesday is a player who could contribute immediately.
Baylor Scheierman is a 23-year-old swingman who played his final two college seasons at Creighton, and he established himself as a plus shooter, premium rebounder, and solid all-around player.
Stevens said on Tuesday the plan was to use the first-round pick and bring another young player into the mix, although it was uncertain if he would contribute next season. The Celtics had been seeking more wing help and shooting off the bench, especially with the precarious position of Sam Hauser.
Hauser has a team option for $2.1 million next season, and if the Celtics pick that up, he’s likely to leave after 2024-25 because Boston is financially limited being in the second apron, and with Jayson Tatum expected to sign a max extension this summer. If the Celtics decline Hauser’s option, he would become a restricted free agent and they would have the right to match any offer.
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The Celtics are trying to avoid adding significant salary because they have greater priorities, such as the future of swingman Derrick White, who is entering the final year of his deal in 2024-25. That’s what makes the addition of Scheierman so important, because he could develop into a rotation player with a manageable salary.
Scheierman is a five-year college player who began his career at South Dakota State, where he played three seasons. He transferred to Creighton for his final two years and was All-Big East first team this past season, averaging 18.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
He scored a season-high 27 points twice — against Providence and Butler — and scored in double figures in 34 of 35 games. He made at least five 3-pointers seven times and pulled down 10 or more rebounds in 17 games.
Scheierman will turn 24 on Sept. 26, giving the Celtics a seasoned player who has an opportunity to play immediately. Stevens admittedly didn’t see the use for first-round picks in recent years, and he used them in trades, or moved out of the first round and instead opted for second-round picks, which are more financially feasible.
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Stevens told reporters Tuesday that because they are in the second salary cap apron, the Celtics were unlikely to trade their first-round pick.
Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman selected
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) June 27, 2024
30th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Draft!
He is the first Nebraska native & Creighton grad to go in the first round since Justin Patton in 2017! @KETV pic.twitter.com/PLcr9bPFEa
The Celtics also own the 54th pick in Thursday’s second round and could add another player for a potential two-way contract. The major story line for the second round will be the fate of Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, who is expected to get drafted by the Lakers at No. 55.
Of course, the Celtics could take Bronny James for themselves as a developmental project or attempt to facilitate a trade with the Lakers for more assets. According to an NBA source, the Celtics interviewed James at the Draft Combine and were very impressed with his attitude. James’s agent, Rich Paul, has stated his client won’t accept a two-way contract, meaning any club drafting him will have to use a standard NBA deal, which is uncommon for second-round picks.
Meanwhile, the Celtics will have to decide what to do with former second-round pick JD Davison, who is likely to seek a standard NBA contract from another club if the Celtics decide to move on. Although players are generally limited to two years of two-way contracts with one team, the Celtics could negotiate a third year for Davison if he chooses.
There are several prospects who were bypassed in the first round, and the Celtics could trade up in the second round to select one of their targets.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.