How will Boston Celtics point guard Terry Rozier react to going back to a backup role behind Kyrie Irving in 2018-19? His reaction is one of three goals set for “Scary” Terry this upcoming season.
If there was any positive in losing Kyrie Irving for the Boston Celtics, it was the emergence of fourth-year point guard Terry Rozier.
Rozier, who was already a sparkplug of energy off the Celtics bench, was forced into a starting role towards the end of the 2017-18 season when Irving was lost for the season. Not only did the Louisville product step up, he played a major role in how deep the team went in the playoffs.
With increased minutes, Rozier increased his scoring average to 11.3 points per game. He also displayed an elite level of ball security, especially in the playoffs where his assist to turnover ratio was 5.0. He also stepped up his offense by increasing his average to 16.5.
Carrying the nickname “Scary Terry,” Rozier not only made a name for himself in his third NBA season, he also proved that he is not afraid of the big stage.
In all, the growth Terry Rozier displayed increased his value around the league. It also put into question his future with the Boston Celtics. In failing to reach a contract extension prior to the start of the 2018-19 NBA season, Rozier is set to become a restricted free agent once the season ends.
This will raise questions on whether Rozier will make it through the season as a member of the Celtics. As of right now, the 24-year-old point guard will backup Kyrie Irving and has no problem doing so. With that being said, here are three regular season goals for Terry Rozier in 2018-19.
Lead the second unit
In 2018-19, the Boston Celtics will need Terry Rozier to be the sparkplug he was coming off the bench before shifting into a starting role last season.
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In fact, Rozier’s experience as a starter should give the team a benefit in having a starting caliber point guard heading the second unit. A very good second unit at that. With Marcus Smart, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis also coming off that bench, the Boston Celtics second unit will win some games for the Celtics.
With his defensive effort as well as his ability to create his own shot, there will be times when Rozier’s minutes will increase based on the team’s management of Kyrie Irving throughout the long regular season.
That could just be the reason Rozier hasn’t already been traded. He is the security blanket in case Irving does have injury concerns again. Before Kyrie announced his commitment to re-sign with the team following the season, Terry Rozier was an option to take over that role.
He could still be an option. Most likely, he will be playing to show other team’s he is an NBA starting point guard. As a potential Sixth Man of the Year Award candidate, Terry Rozier will play a vital role in keeping the team motivated throughout the season.
Stay grounded
Part of the Boston Celtics success in 2018-19 will be how Brad Stevens distributes minutes amongst a very talented group of players.
With Kyrie Irving back, Terry Rozier will see his minutes decrease and his role diminished. In recognizing Irving is one of the team’s stars, Rozier has accepted his role as the backup point guard and will continue to learn from him.
That doesn’t mean he won’t be dreaming of a more increased role while watching from the bench. With more confidence in his abilities, Rozier just has to stay grounded and be ready when his number is called.
Coming into the season, he has certainly said the right things about his situation with the team. He has also expressed his intentions to challenge Kyrie Irving, which can only benefit the team overall.
"“Obviously Kyrie Irving is Kyrie Irving,” Rozier said back in May, via MassLive.com. “And I would never take nothing away from that. I’ll never go out and try to step on no one’s toes. But I’m going to go challenge him every day. And it’s going to be a lot of fun. And I’m going to pick his brain every day just like I did as much as I could this year.”"
Rozier went on to say he is not worried about starting and knows Irving is the starter. What he continues to learn from him as a player and as a professional will help him greatly when he does get a starting role in the NBA.
Stay focused
With the Boston Celtics a favorite to make it to the NBA Finals, there will already be a lot of distraction surrounding the team in the 2018-19 season. So, focus will be a main part of the entire team’s success.
When it comes to Terry Rozier, not only will he have to stay focused for the team, he has to stay focused as an individual. With Kyrie Irving’s commitment to sign beyond the 2019 season and Marcus Smart re-signing this offseason, Rozier’s trade stock will only increase as the season wanes.
There have already been rumors that the Phoenix Suns made an offer for Rozier. With Danny Ainge’s trade record, rumors will only increase as the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline approaches. As he has already been rumored in possible trades in the past, Terry Rozier has to keep his focus on the court and do what’s necessary to help the team win.
Whether he is a member of the Boston Celtics throughout the season or traded somewhere during the season, how successful he is in the future will depend how he handles this upcoming season both as a reserve on a championship contending team and as a player striving towards NBA stardom.