Baylor Scheierman torched the Orlando Magic for a career-high 30 points in the Celtics’ final game last season, a performance that has Boston fans hyped for what he will do next. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the year, a new era of Celtics basketball exploded onto the scene, giving guys like Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr., and Amari Williams a real chance to shine. They were solid contributors throughout a 56-win season, proving there is a deep well of young talent in Beantown. Now, with the nuclear fallout from the Jaylen Brown for Paul George trade finally settled, and two new draft picks in Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell joining the squad, everyone is wondering: which young Celtic will break out next?
The Scheierman Surge is Real
If you watched the Celtics last year, you saw Baylor Scheierman transform into a completely different player in his sophomore year. Out of all the young guys, he arguably had the biggest breakout. He played in 77 games, putting up 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on a stellar 45.3% from the field and 39.9% from three in 18.6 minutes per game. His rookie season took a minute for him to get acclimated to the league, but he finished hot. Last year, though? Scheierman truly flourished in a bigger role, showcasing not only his undeniable talent but his personality, too. From the iconic thumbs-up celebration after hitting a three to the pure hype he brought to the court, you could tell he found comfort in a recurring spot in the Celtics rotation. That Game 82 stunner against the Magic was just the peak: Scheierman was given the keys to the offense as Boston’s number one option and he delivered 30 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals, shooting 8-20 from the field and 6-14 from deep. Going into the 2026-27 season, it is not a stretch to think he could earn even more minutes and maybe even snag some 6th Man of the Year votes. He is 26, so maybe not a ton of “development” left, but those numbers are definitely going to inflate with more playing time.
Hugo Gonzalez: The Motor That Never Stops
Then there is Hugo Gonzalez. As the 28th overall pick in the 2025 draft, not many knew what to expect from him as a rookie. But over the course of the season, this kid, at only 19 years old, became an instant fan favorite. Why? His motor and defensive abilities are just off the charts! He played in 74 games, averaging 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds on 47.6% from the field and 36% from three in 14.6 minutes per game. Gonzalez stepped into his role as a spark plug off the bench right from his NBA debut, where he was immediately tasked with guarding Jalen Brunson in Madison. That is a tough assignment for a rookie! His energy is infectious and a huge asset coming off the bench.
With the NBA draft and Summer League officially behind us, and September here, Celtics basketball is right around the corner. Can Scheierman truly contend for 6th Man of the Year? Will Gonzalez build on his defensive reputation? With new draft picks Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell joining the mix, the battle for minutes and the biggest breakout is going to be intense. Get ready, Celtics fans, this season is going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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