With the NBA draft looming in just ten days, the Boston Celtics are expected to undergo significant changes. Aiming for competitiveness in 2025-26, they face challenges, particularly with Jayson Tatum's ruptured Achilles tendon and the difficulty of salary dumping. This season presents a unique opportunity for player development, as Boston may give substantial playing time to JD Davison, Baylor Scheierman, and Jordan Walsh, who have been overshadowed by veterans.

Furthermore, the Celtics possess two valuable draft picks (No. 28 and No. 32 overall), which they are likely to retain to bolster their young talent pool. Among prospects, Zeke Mayo, who averaged 14.6 points per game at Kansas, is highlighted as a potential free-agent signing if he goes undrafted.

Baylor Scheierman, a recent addition to the Boston Celtics, shared insights about his teammates' football skills during a candid interview on the CLNS Media "Garden Report" podcast. Although he is recognized for his basketball prowess, Scheierman reflected on his high school football days, offering a unique perspective on which Celtics might excel on the gridiron.

While he didn't directly name himself, Scheierman highlighted the athletic capabilities of his teammates, suggesting that several could impress on the football field. The conversation hints at an intriguing crossover of sports talent within the Celtics roster, providing a playful glimpse into the diverse athletic backgrounds of these players beyond basketball.

Joe Mazzulla's approach as the Boston Celtics head coach has raised eyebrows, especially regarding his skepticism towards rookies. Rookie Baylor Scheierman, who is finding his footing in the NBA, shared Mazzulla's candid admission about his reluctance to play first-year players during a training camp conversation. Despite a slow start, Scheierman exhibited promise, particularly in shooting and passing, earning Mazzulla's trust as the season progressed. With key player Jayson Tatum's indefinite absence, the rookie's responsibilities are expected to increase significantly, challenging him to rise to the occasion.

The Boston Celtics are facing a pivotal season with Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and potential departures of Al Horford and Luke Kornet making younger players' roles increasingly important. Expect to see a significant uptick in playing time for talents like Baylor Scheierman, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, JD Davison, and Payton Pritchard as the team looks to fill the void left by their stars.

As these younger players step up, their development could be crucial for the Celtics' success. The CLNS Media "Still Poddable" podcast discussed how these players can leverage the opportunity, especially with Tatum's absence possibly extending into the season. A deeper bench could provide the team with more versatility as they aim to maintain competitiveness in a challenging conference.