Terry Rozier is an Offensive Force Coming of the Bench
Let’s face it, the Boston Celtics bench struggles from the offensive side the floor. Collectively they are inexperienced. A player on the Celtics bench has, on average, played just over two seasons. In addition to their lack of experience, the players have issues scoring the ball.
The players have issues scoring the ball, ranking 23rd in the league in scoring off the bench. Despite this fact, the bench attempts 11.3 three-point shots a game (10th in the league), shooting a poor percentage from beyond the arc at a measly 33.3% (24th in the league). So what is a possible solution to fix the second unit’s offensive shooting woes?
One possible solution is to give Terry Rozier more offensive freedom.
As one of the four who returned to the Celtics this season, Rozier has proven himself a capable two-way player off the bench. Despite the fact that he is only 6’2”, his 6’8” wingspan helps him guard much taller players.
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He and Marcus Smart make up one of the best defensive backcourts as they rank fifth amongst all benches in defensive rating. Rozier, however, is more than just a defensive stopper.
Despite the fact he has struggled offensively as of late, Rozier has become a better three-point shooter. Of Celtic players who have played 20 games so far, he leads the bench in three-point and free throw percentage. Giving Rozier more attempts could help his percentages.
Off the bench, Rozier needs to overtake Smart as the primary scoring option. All signs lead to Rozier’ being a more offensively efficient player over the course of his career.
As a combo guard, Rozier is the primary ball handler when Smart, Shane Larkin, and Kyrie Irving are not on the floor. Rozier averages less than a turnover per game which puts him as one of the top guards in the league when it comes to keeping the ball safe.
Rozier is shooting less than Smart even though he is clearly the better offensive player. This should not be a case for playing Smart less than Rozier. Smart provides many more defensive intangibles than Rozier. It should, however, justify the fact that Rozier should be the Celtics primary offensive option off the bench.
Next: Rozier providing key contributions on bench
When Marcus Morris returns to the lineup in full strength, the Celtics will probably look towards the power forward as the primary scoring punch off the bench. But for now, look for Rozier to get more opportunities to put the ball in the basket.