Why Terry Rozier is the Celtics’ X-Factor

Terry Rozier needs to be an X factor for the Boston Celtics

While the Boston Celtics are anchored by two known entities in Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, chances are the play of those two All-Stars alone is going to lead Boston to a championship. The Celtics need a player that can make a leap during the playoffs in order raise their championship potential, and the player most likely to do that is not touted youngsters like Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum; but rather Terry Rozier.

Tatum and Brown are exciting because their potential is what the future of the franchise is based around. This season has marked ups-and-downs for both of them, with each mistake being written off as growing pains for the prized prospects. Brown or Tatum could flop this post season, and the general perception of their future would not change very much.

Rozier occupies a different role for the Celtics; it is not clear if the third year player is going to be a part of the Celtics for a long period of time. A mid-first round pick, he is an expendable prospect that would likely only be re-signed if Boston can get him on a cheap contract.

With one more year left on his rookie deal, Rozier’s time in Boston may be up after next season. A strong playoff performance this season, and Rozier could establish himself as a franchise cornerstone; a weak one could send him packing in a trade this summer.

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What would a strong post-season performance look like for Rozier? With Marcus Smart missing an undisclosed amount of time with a thumb injury, Rozier could be in the starting lineup this postseason, meaning he will get plenty of minutes to contribute. This season that has been a good thing, as Boston is 11-6 in games where Rozier plays at least 28 minutes.

Rozier’s best skill is probably the adaptability; the 6’2″ Rozier is one of the quicker guards in the NBA while also possessing a 6’8″ wingspan and great athleticism, allowing him to match up against taller opponents. He is a menace on defense, with a defensive rating of 104 he pressures guards and is a very effective trapper when the Celtics press thanks to his long arms.

If a team wants to go small against Boston, the Celtics have an effective counter with a three-guard lineup of Irving/Smart/Rozier, with Smart and Rozier matching up against bigger players. Unlike Smart, Rozier also offers strong shooting, knocking down 38 percent of his threes this season.

While his shooting and defense are key; what really makes Rozier an X Factor is his penchant for coming up big in clutch moments. Rozier had probably the most memorable play of the Celtics’ season so far, with his last-second steal and then dunk to swipe a victory from the Pacers.

Although Boston lost to Washington on Wednesday night; Rozier had two huge plays late in the game. Knocking Tomas Satoransky to the floor and draining a step-back three pointer in the first overtime; and later knocking down a key transition three with :46 to go in the second overtime. Rozier has shown the ability to play big down the stretch of close games.

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Rozier isn’t the most well-known player on the Celtics, but his defensive intensity, versatility and courage in the clutch make him one of the most important players for the Celtics this season. Rozier has the potential to be a difference maker in the playoffs. Since the start of February, Rozier is averaging 16 ppg on 45 percent shooting from three. It’s possible he could be the talk of the town this June.