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Boston Celtics Need to Increase Terry Rozier’s Role

By Ian Riaf

Nov 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Boston Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Boston Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Terry Rozier will help bring offense off the bench

One of the Boston Celtics‘ most promising young prospects is Terry Rozier. He is young, explosive, and has a knack for solid play on both ends of the floor. While his game is still unpolished, Rozier has established himself as a solid role player. The Celtics no longer have a logjam in the front court and thus should look to Rozier to run the point off the bench.

Lately, the Celtics have cut back on Rozier’s minutes. Marcus Smart has become the established sixth man on the team. While Smart is a physically stronger and more versatile player, the two can play alongside each other as they are both capable of running the point.

Offensively, the Celtics are in dire need of bench production, particularly when it comes to scoring. The Celtics bench ranks the fourth lowest in the league in scoring as they only average around 29.5 points per game. Last year, with Evan Turner coming off the bench, the Celtics ranked ninth in bench scoring, averaging 37.1 points per game.

So what does Rozier bring to the table?

Rozier is an extremely good ball handler. He played over 200 minutes in the month of December yet only turned the ball over a total of six times. Among point guards who have played more than 25 games this season, Rozier ranks first in least number of turnovers per game.

Rozier is not a poor three point shooter. Lately, however, he has been in a shooting slump. Although, in November he shot a very efficient 40 percent from beyond the arch. This is the type of production the Celtics need from him as they look to find offense off the bench. If Rozier can return to his early season form of shooting 40% from three point range, the Celtics can play both Smart and Rozier at the same time.

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Rozier is also an excellent rebounder. Among all point guards in the league, he ranks 20th in rebounding. This is very impressive considering the fact that among the top 30 rebounding point guards, he is the only player to play under 20 minutes per game. The Celtics could use his help on the glass as they rank 24th in rebounds per game.

All-in-all, when Rozier plays extended minutes he puts up solid numbers. This season, when Rozier has played more than 20 minutes per game, he is averaging around eight and a half points, over four rebounds and two assists. What is most impressive is that when Rozier plays more than 20 minutes per game he averages only 0.7 turnovers per outing.

Next: A Star Hidden Among the Ranks

The Celtics need to reduce the workload of Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas. Both Bradley and Thomas need to be fresh for playoff time. Rozier is an emerging player who is both explosive and efficient. His ability to create offense while not turning the ball over is very impressive. The Celtics should give Rozier more minutes as he has proven himself as an established player within the league.

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