Boston Celtics lose Marcus Smart to start playoffs: 3 players who must step up
Rozier needs to be scary good
The Boston Celtics depth will certainly be challenged going into the first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
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With Marcus Smart out, it is time for Terry Rozier to redeem his regular-season woes and turn back into that player he was in last year’s playoffs. As far as offense goes, Rozier is a more talented scorer than Smart, but shot selection and being able to facilitate are areas where he must shine.
In other words, the Celtics need a streaky Rozier to be more consistent on the offensive end and not be as much of a liability defensively that he was during the regular season.
Scoring 21 points in the season finale against the Washington Wizards, the Louisville product looked more like the Terry Rozier fans clamored about to start the season.
Obviously, playing behind both Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart played a role in his dip in production and effectiveness this season, but now with Smart out, minutes should increase, and he will get an opportunity to play with Irving in some cases.
If he can become the good “Scary” Terry who helped lead the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago. Smart’s unavailability won’t be as much of a colossal loss. Still monumental, but the Celtics could still get past the second round with Rozier helping to fill that void.