Celtics growing a developmental pipeline in Maine

The realities of being a second-apron luxury-tax team in the NBA are harsh. Building out a roster becomes increasingly difficult, especially when trying to make moves on the trade market. 

As such, expensively constructed rosters must rely on their scouting departments and developmental coaches to ensure a steady supply of young, cost-controlled talent who can contribute on the court. The Boston Celtics are one example of that.

Since moving into a front-office position, Brad Stevens has placed a significant onus on creating a pipeline between the Maine Celtics and the Boston Celtics. That pipeline allows Boston to acquire late draft picks, young journeymen or undrafted talent, educate them within its system and potentially elevate them onto the NBA roster. Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh are all prime examples of Boston's pipeline system at work. 

During the summer, the Celtics selected Baylor Scheierman with the 30th pick in the draft. Scheierman projects to be a high-level catch-and-shoot threat. However, his skill set fits more into the mold of a point-forward than it does a sharpshooter. Nevertheless, the young wing has joined arguably the best roster in the NBA and has looked incredibly raw in his limited minutes.

That's why Scheierman is spending his rookie season getting an education in the G League. He's learning how the Celtics want him to play while being in a position to receive countless reps in an expanded role. 

On Friday, Scheierman produced his best performance of the season against the Wisconsin Herd. He scored 23 points, dropped six rebounds and hit five threes while converting at a 50% clip from the field. And while life in the NBA is going to be far more difficult, these highlight outings will help create a platform for him to fight for a roster spot next season.