Boston Celtics: Terry Rozier ‘not worried’ about backing up Kyrie Irving

With the return of Kyrie Irving to the starting five,  Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier isn’t concerned with taking a back seat and coming off the bench.

Boston Celtics fourth-year guard Terry Rozier made a name for himself during the 2017-18 season when Kyrie Irving went down.  This season, he will have to go back to a backup role, which he is embracing.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Rozier was asked about his role:

"“I’m not worried about [my role]. Kinda control what I can control. We all got one goal and that’s to win. We all get love when we win. That should be everybody’s mindset. It’s going to be a lot of fun”.“If you want to win a championship, that’s what it’s going to take- sacrifice”.  More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

Words of optimism, excitement, and as he said- sacrifice. Clearly fazed isn’t the word to describe Rozier’s outlook on the upcoming 2019-20 season for the Celtics. Most importantly regarding his role.

With (5-time) All-Star point guard, Kyrie Irving making his return, Rozier will indeed need to take a back seat. Not to mention the long awaited return of perhaps the Celtics most anticipated free agent signing, Gordon Hayward.

Then there are the big men, Daniel Theis who’s also returning from injury. Along with rookie Robert Williams. Certainly a lot to manage for one of the league’s best basketball minds in Brad Stevens.

However that’s what makes it all exciting.

We’ve seen year after year with Stevens making the most of an undermanned roster. Now to make matters better Terry Rozier is both on board and well aware of the necessary sacrifices in order to make a run at the Finals.

It’s that very trust in Brad Stevens that helps his players shine, regardless of how big or small their roles are. The very trust that landed former Celtic, Evan Tuner a $70 million deal in Portland. It is because of Brad Stevens that Rozier has flourished and is talked about as a guard that can start elsewhere.

Right now Terry Rozier’s contract with Boston has him making over $4.2 million next season. Perhaps that trust and championship attitude will be what leads Rozier to an NBA pay day once he hits the free agent market next off-season.

With that in mind, Rozier is well aware of the stakes and what a strong productive season could do for his future in the market. He’s essentially show casting himself to potential suitors this upcoming year.

Team’s who have already seen what Rozier can do in the big moments. Averaging 16.4 points and 5.7 assists in the 2018 playoffs. A deep playoff run where Rozier’s job was to replace one of the leagues best in Kyrie Irving.

With Tatum’s off-season grind, the return of Hayward/Irving, and now Rozier’s minset…

How could Boston Celtics fans not be excited for October’s opening night?