Shaq admits he has no idea about Celtics player Baylor Scheierman

The NBA legend was clueless about the young Boston guard's recent strong play.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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During halftime highlights of a recent Celtics-Cavaliers game, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal admitted he had no idea who Celtics player Baylor Scheierman was, even though the 25-year-old guard had just recorded a double-double in the game. Scheierman, a second-year player, has emerged as an important contributor for the Celtics this season, but Shaq was clearly unaware of his existence.

Why it matters

Scheierman's strong play has helped the Celtics remain competitive despite injuries to star players like Jayson Tatum. His hustle and production off the bench have been key to the team's success, but Shaq's lack of awareness about him highlights how some lesser-known role players can fly under the radar, even among NBA legends and analysts.

The details

Scheierman finished the Celtics-Cavaliers game with 16 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range. His defensive effort and rebounding in the second quarter helped Boston hold the Cavaliers to just 10 points. Scheierman has seen his role and production increase significantly this season, averaging 4.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting nearly 60% from the field and 38% from 3-point range.

  • Scheierman was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
  • In the 2024-25 season, Scheierman appeared in 31 games for the Celtics, averaging 12.4 minutes per game.
  • This season (2025-26), Scheierman has played in 58 games with 15 starts, averaging 16.3 minutes per game.

The players

Baylor Scheierman

A 25-year-old shooting guard who was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has emerged as an important contributor off the bench for the Celtics this season.

Shaquille O'Neal

A legendary NBA player who is now an analyst for ESPN. He admitted during a Celtics-Cavaliers halftime show that he had no idea who Baylor Scheierman was, even though Scheierman had just recorded a double-double in the game.

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What they’re saying

“I don't even know who this kid is.”

— Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Analyst (Awful Announcing)

“I have never met nobody named Baylor or Scheierman.”

— Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Analyst (Awful Announcing)

The takeaway

Shaq's lack of awareness about Baylor Scheierman highlights how even talented role players can fly under the radar, especially among NBA legends and analysts who may be more focused on the league's biggest stars. Scheierman's strong play has been crucial to the Celtics' success this season, and his continued development could make him an important piece of the team's future.