Boston Celtics: Terry Rozier is a little sparkplug of excitement

Boston Celtics third-year guard Terry Rozier has continued to show improvement this preseason, sparking energy off the bench.

As one of just 4 players returning from last year’s Eastern Conference Finals team, Boston Celtics third-year guard Terry Rozier is showing why he was kept around.

Although just the preseason, the guard out of Louisville has already showed signs that he has improved from his sophomore season.

After increased playing time during the 2016-17 season and meaningful minutes throughout the postseason, Rozier returns a more determined player who could see an increased role on the team even with the addition of Kyrie Irving.

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That increased role should come off the bench this season.  Along with Marcus Smart, Rozier has provided a spark of energy and excitement whenever he has stepped on the court.  As far as his improved play goes, that was on display in Monday night’s preseason victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

With head coach Brad Stevens resting his star players, Terry Rozier started the game and played over 22 minutes.  During that time, he showed the kind of complete player he is capable of being scoring 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.

Overall, it was the kind of performance the team great accustomed to from former Celtics guard Avery Bradley.  Again, just a preseason game, but the team and fans have to feel encouraged by the sparkplug of energy and excitement Rozier has played with.

Praise from Jaylen Brown

Terry Rozier’s confidence and high level of play throughout the preseason has caught the attention of teammate Jaylen Brown.

Following the team’s 113-96 victory on Monday, Brown talked about the athleticism and shiftiness of Rozier.  He also went as far as calling him one of the best guards in the NBA.

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That could be a bit of a reach, but there is no doubt that Terry Rozier is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. Unfortunately, on a team still pretty stacked at the guard position, the No. 16 pick overall in the 2015 NBA draft may not get his chance to fully shine in the green and white.