Boston Celtics’ Terry Rozier Seizes Opportunity
When the Boston Celtics took on the Brooklyn Nets for the second time this preseason they were missing three of their most important players. David Lee, Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas all being out didn’t hold the Celtics back from a win and it gave one rookie an opportunity to propel himself into the rotation.
R.J Hunter has already looked good enough to have a legitimate role with the Celtics but with Thomas out it was time for Terry Rozier to prove that he can handle the Celtics’ offense. Taking charge is something that Rozier is perfectly comfortable with. Rozier was a do it all guard at Louisville as he posted 35 minutes per game and 14.5 shot attempts per game in his final season.
Rozier will never be able to get that kind of control with the Celtics but he maximized his opportunity against the Nets. Rozier was both the team leader in scoring with 16 points and he was tied for the team lead with six assists. throw in four rebounds and four steals and this may have been the single most impressive performance by a Celtics this preseason.
Oct 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) shoots the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Ryan Boatright (lower right) watches during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Rozier struggled shooting at times but he levelled out at 4-10 shooting thanks to a scorching 3-3 from three point range. Three point shooting is what the Celtics expected to get from Hunter but if Rozier can be this effective beyond the arc he will be stealing minutes from his fellow rookie.
The scoring was a pleasant sight but it pales in comparison to how he impacted the game on the defensive end and distributing the ball. Despite his incredibly high usage, Rozier only averaged three assists per game in college. Even if Rozier will rarely have control of the offense in the regular season it is essential that he established himself as a passer.
The Celtics already have to deal with Thomas’ high volume shooting and they have to deal with moments when Turner turns to isolation basketball. The Celtics will not tolerate that from their rookie and he is proving that he can be trusted as a distributor in the offense.
The Celtics had another phenomenal overall effort with 26 total assists and it will do wonders for the Celtics’ depth if Rozier can be trusted to maintain good ball movement if the primary ball handlers are not on the court.
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Rozier had the most to prove on the offensive end and he made tremendous progress. What the Celtics were expecting from Rozier was great defensive play and he did not disappoint. Rozier can solidify the future of the defensive impact of the Celtics for the foreseeable future as he and Marcus Smart will be terrorizing the league for a long time.
Four steals is a testament to Rozier’s activity on the defensive end and his effectiveness. Throw in four defensive rebounds and Rozier is clearly making a concentrated effort to ensure that he brings everything on the defensive end. Rozier will have to surpass Avery Bradley if he has hopes of the starting lineup but that will never happen until he can match his impact on the defensive end.
This is the first time Rozier was truly unleashed. His 28 minutes lead the team and while his role during the regular season will be drastically reduced his effectiveness will not be ignored. Rozier will have to maintain his level of play throughout the rest of preseason if he has wishes of a prominent role on the offense but considering how effective Rozier was in his first true opportunity, things are looking good for the first round draft pick.
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