In honor of Scheierman pick, here are best Celtics left-handed shooters ever

In honor of Scheierman pick, here are best Celtics left-handed shooters ever originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Fire up the highlights of Celtics first-round pick Baylor Scheierman and what immediately jumps out is pretty basic – he’s a lefty.

There’s something about a smooth left-handed stroke that just looks pure. From Chris Mullin to Manu Ginobili to James Harden, the best left-handed shooters look like they’re playing a different game; flip their shots in a mirror, and they still don’t look conventional.

The Celtics haven’t boasted a ton of left-handers over the years. The greatest winner in NBA history, Bill Russell, is one example. But he was known more for his shot-blocking and rim-running, shooting only 56 percent from the free throw line.

As a product of the modern game, Scheierman arrives in the NBA with a readymade 3-point stroke after converting 39 percent of his attempts at Creighton.

So where will he rank among the best southpaw shooters in franchise history? Here’s my top five.

The King in the Fourth may have only burned briefly, but at the height of his all-NBA powers, he was basically unguardable. Thomas’ entire game was predicated on getting to his left hand. The whole league knew it, and still no one could stop him. In addition to fearless drives and mid-range pull-ups, Thomas possessed deadly 3-point range. Watching him curl off a screen, jump stop, elevate, and launch was simply basketball joy.

2. Nate “Tiny” Archibald

Before I.T., there was Tiny. A product of the New York City playgrounds, Archibald built a Hall of Fame career on his deft ball-handling and decision-making, and he’s still the only player to lead the league in scoring and assists in the same season.

Archibald may be primarily known for his creative and relentless ability to penetrate, but he could knock down open 16-footers, too. By the time he joined the loaded Celtics at the dawn of the Larry Bird Era, he was primarily a facilitator. He made three All-Star teams in Boston, winning his sole title in 1981.

3. Dave Cowens

The other Hall of Fame Big Red in Celtics history (joining Bill Walton), Cowens powered the 1970s Celtics…

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Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-06-27 16:46:46

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