It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics have built their championship-winning squad around two elite wings: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Jays’ ability to create shots for themselves and others, along with their impactful defense, makes them ideal players to build around in the modern era. Furthermore, it makes the Celtics impossible to match up with. While everyone knows about Tatum and Brown, what’s less known is how deep Boston’s focus on well-rounded wings runs. Let’s explore this organizational obsession from the Jays to rookie Baylor Scheierman.
Celtics Focus on Versatile Wings Runs Deep Throughout the Organization
Jaylen Brown
The Celtics drafted Brown with the third overall pick in 2016. The 6-foot-6 wing’s raw athleticism and two-way upside made him an intriguing prospect. Former general manager Danny Ainge later admitted that after Brown’s pre-draft workout, he became the Celtics’ unanimous pick. Brown became the first building block of the Celtics’ championship core. After not being a super-consistent part of the Celtics’ rotation as a rookie on a loaded roster, he eventually developed into a star. Brown showed a bunch of flashes of stardom in his second year, especially during the 2018 playoffs. He would later have a breakout season in 2019-20.
Brown’s shot creation and playmaking steadily improved each season, all while remaining an elite defender and finisher. In 2023, Brown made All-NBA second team, earning a supermax contract. On the most talented roster of his career, Brown was a crucial part of the Celtics’ 64-win season and 2024 championship. He stepped up as a leader on-ball defender and showed he’s capable of being a primary shot-creator, winning both Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP. Ultimately, Brown is indispensable to the Celtics, and he highlights the organization’s focus on two-way play.
Jayson Tatum
In 2017, the year after Brown was drafted, Boston selected Tatum with the third overall pick. The Duke product was mostly known for his elite shot creation; however, Tatum quickly showed he was much more than just a scorer, offering plenty of value as a rebounder, playmaker, and defender. Alongside Brown, Tatum helped lead the Celtics to the Conference Finals as a rookie. Tatum was on a path to stardom after his rookie season; he and Brown gave the Celtics a clear championship blueprint.
As Tatum’s game became more polished, his all-around impact was more evident. Tatum’s impact as a playmaker has skyrocketed in recent years, which is crucial as he continues to draw more attention from opposing defenses. Impressively, Tatum takes on a lot of ball-handling responsibility while often guarding opposing fives, showcasing his unmatched versatility. Tatum’s well-rounded impact was on full display during the Celtics’ championship run as he led the team in points, rebounds, and assists. Overall, Tatum and Brown are an ideal duo in the modern NBA, something many teams will look to replicate given the Celtics’ success.
Sam Hauser
Moving past the stars, Sam Hauser is another key wing in the Celtics core. Admittedly, most people view Hauser as a specialist due to his elite shooting. Impressively, Hauser has shot at least 40 percent from beyond the arc in every season of his NBA and college career. His shooting consistency is especially valuable in Joe Mazzulla’s three-point-centric offense.
However, Hauser’s all-around game often gets overlooked. He is an incredibly smart player who always makes the right reads. Additionally, Hauser’s IQ and positioning allow him to make a positive defensive impact despite being constantly hunted, and he is a solid rebounder. This skill set allows Hauser to fit with any lineup. Given his role with the team, much of this all-around impact can’t be seen; regardless, it’s still there. Hauser was undrafted out of Virginia in 2021, highlighting how the Celtics can find and develop diamonds in the rough.
Jordan Walsh
The Celtics selected Jordan Walsh from Arkansas with the 38th overall pick in the 2023 draft. The 6-foot-7 wing possessed plenty of upside as a one-and-done player. Walsh’s value stems from his versatile defense, high-level rebounding, and finishing. He gives the Celtics a slightly different dimension and skill set, considering his impact isn’t tied to shooting. While Walsh hasn’t established himself as a mainstay in the Celtics’ rotation just yet at 20 years old, it’s possible that could change. Moreover, Joe Mazzulla has been happy with his defensive impact and development. Overall, Walsh shows how the Celtics are interested in a variety of wings and the value of defensive-minded wings.
Baylor Scheierman
Baylor Scheierman was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 draft. The Creighton product is mostly known for his sharpshooting ability. However, Scheierman has an impressive all-around skill set, especially as a playmaker, rebounder, screener, and cutter. This skill set allows Scheierman to make an impact with or without the ball. His off-ball movement and IQ are truly off the charts, which makes him an ideal fit in the Celtics’ system.
Scheierman hasn’t played a ton in the NBA, only appearing in 13 games so far. However, he has shown a ton of upside in the G League. Furthermore, as a rookie on one of the best NBA teams, it’s extremely challenging to carve out a consistent role. Regardless, given his well-rounded skill set and knack for shooting, Scheierman may develop sooner rather than later. In the G League, Scheierman has been focused on improving his defense and strength notably, he has gained 15 pounds since the start of the season.
Baylor Scheierman says he’s gained 15 pounds since the start of the season and discussed the defensive improvements connected to that: pic.twitter.com/i6iwDfM0We
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) January 30, 2025
Scheierman’s improved strength could greatly benefit his defense, especially at the NBA level. With his improved strength and his already impressive overall skill set, Scheierman is eventually poised to make an NBA impact.
Drew Peterson
Two-way player Drew Peterson is mainly known for his sharpshooting ability. However, the 6-foot-9 wing has an underrated all-around game; he is an active rebounder, solid playmaker, and versatile defender. Peterson’s playmaking specifically gets overlooked. In a recent G League game, Maine was without JD Davison and Scheierman, so Peterson took on the starting point guard duties; he finished with 23 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.
When looking at the Celtics’ G League roster, versatile wings make up most of the roster, including rookie second-round pick Anton Watson, DJ Rodman, Jay Scrubb, Tristan Enaruna, Jordan Schakel, and Kameron Warrens. While Peterson doesn’t play much of a point forward role in the NBA, he still has an all-around skill set. Additionally, his impact as a rebounder and someone who can make the right reads is evident at the NBA level. Peterson is yet another example of a prototypical Celtics wing.
Torrey Craig
The Celtics signed veteran wing Torrey Craig from the buyout market. Throughout his career, Craig has been known for his 3-and-D skillset, which allows him to fit within any lineup. Craig’s defensive impact has been his main calling card and why the Celtics signed him with one of their open roster spots. Additionally, Craig has a knack for rebounding and hustle plays. Craig has only played two games for the Celtics so far, but his impact as a defender and spot-up shooter has been clear. Notably, in nine minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers, Craig recorded three blocks. It will be interesting to see if Craig can get consistent minutes with the Celtics; having a defensive-minded wing off the bench never hurts.
Photo credit: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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