Boston Celtics: Terry Rozier is having a career year so far

In his third season in the NBA, Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier is playing out of his mind and is one of the best bench players in the league.

Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier has gotten his chance to step up so far in 2017, and he has not disappointed at all. Through 14 games, he’s arguably the best player coming off of Boston’s bench on a regular basis.

So far, Rozier has appeared in all 14 Celtics games this season and he is averaging a career-high in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Although he has just a small sample size this season, and a small career sample size as well, Boston has to like the way things are heading for Rozier. He’s just 23, and he’ll be around for a long time with the Celtics young core of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum.

Rozier has played more than 18 minutes in every game so far, with a high of almost 31 against the New York Knicks. On average, he’s on the court for 24.8 minutes per game, and he’s making the most of that time with 10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals each night. His best game came just last week as he put up 15 points with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals against the Charlotte Hornets in 28 minutes. Rozier was +6 on the court that night. His best +/- effort though actually came in the game against the Knicks as he was +24.

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Boston has been phenomenal on defense in 2017, with 7 players in the top 10 of the defensive ratings. Surprisingly, Terry Rozier actually is tops in the NBA with a 95.0 rating. His teammates Kyrie Irving (96.2) and Aron Baynes (96.4) are 2nd and 3rd on the list. Al Horford, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum are all also in the top 10 in the NBA. So, while Rozier’s offense has been a surprise, his defense is what has been setting him apart. If he keeps things up, he may even be in the running for the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year Award when the season ends.

Rozier’s success can probably be attributed to his hard work and dedication. Jaylen Brown recently said that he tries to be the first man at the gym every day, but Terry Rozier is somehow always there first.

"“Before the game, he’s here working. I see it because I try to be the first one here, and I think Terry beats me here every time. You see Terry working on his game and the focus level he has of just trying to be the best version of himself, and you can see the results.”"

Terry Rozier had two huge 3’s for the Boston Celtics on Sunday, and one of them gave the team the lead heading into the crucial 4th quarter. He’s developing into a very solid, all-around NBA player and the Celtics are lucky to have him.

Next: Irving questionable in Brooklyn

Rozier and his teammates will aim to extend their winning streak to 13-games this Tuesday night as they travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets. That game will serve as an appetizer before the main course, as Boston will then return home to face the Golden State Warriors at the TD Garden.

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