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Boston Celtics: Why it’s not worth keeping Terry Rozier

By Oliver Gold

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 07: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on February 07, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 07: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on February 07, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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After a tremendous 2018 playoffs with the Boston Celtics, Terry Rozier struggled in the 2018-2019 season. Rozier will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Boston Celtics should move on.

Just like the Boston Celtics, Terry Rozier did not have the season he was hoping for.

After averaging 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during last year’s playoffs with Kyrie Irving out, Rozier averaged just 9.0 points and 2.9 assists per game during the regular season and 6.4 points and 1.9 assists during the postseason.

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Rozier shot just 32.2% from the field and 23.5% from three during the postseason, the worst of his postseason career after shooting 40.6% from the field and 34.7% from three in the 2018 playoffs.

Rozier was not shy in expressing his beliefs following the Celtics’ Game 5 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The point guard had a lot to say following the loss.

"“I don’t give a f**k what nobody say, I sacrificed the most out of anybody. I’m a top point guard in this league. A lot of things weren’t fair to me, but it’s not about me. That’s why I don’t b***h and complain.”"

Rozier also claimed the Celtics had a lot of selfish players. He stated that it wasn’t easy on coach Brad Stevens dealing with “a lot of guys that want to be great trying to get theirs.”

“Scary Terry” will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Celtics can match any offer sheet Rozier signs with another team.

Rozier will likely get some decent money, as he has been known to be one of the best backup point guards in the league. The former Louisville Cardinal proved that with his stellar play in the 2018 playoffs.

When asked about the Celtics having the right to match any offer this summer, Rozier responded with, “No comment.” It seems like Rozier is ready to get out of Boston.

The Celtics decision on whether or not to keep Rozier will rely heavily upon Kyrie Irving’s decision this summer. There is obviously a much higher chance the Celtics decide to match any offer sheet Rozier signs if Irving signs elsewhere this summer.

light. Must Read. The 2018-19 season was a complete failure

Why it’s time to move on

Even if Kyrie Irving decides to sign somewhere else, it’s not worth paying Rozier for a contract he likely will not be worth. Many teams like to overpay restricted free agents in hopes that their contract does not get matched. Look for the Phoenix Suns to be one of the teams trying to sign Rozier.

Last offseason, Rozier turned down an extension that would have paid him around $12 million per season. His stock has certainly gone down after this season, but his average salary will still likely be around that range.

The Celtics already have a lot of money due to some players over the next few years. Gordon Hayward‘s enormous contract will last until the end of 2021, Marcus Smart is signed until the end of 2022, and Jaylen Brown will be a restricted free agent next summer and will certainly be a player the Celtics will want to re-sign.

Jayson Tatum will also be a restricted free agent the following summer. Locking up Brown and Tatum should be much more important to the Celtics than resigning Rozier, especially if Irving re-signs.

Rozier is certainly a talented player. However, with the group the Celtics have, Rozier’s talent doesn’t fit well.

The Celtics already have a lot of scorers and need a playmaker to distribute the ball to guys like Tatum, Brown, Hayward, and Horford, as well as Irving and Morris if they resign.

Guys like Ricky Rubio, Patrick Beverley, Darren Collison, and Rajon Rondo come to mind, all guys who will be free agents this summer.

Next. 3 reasons Celtics weren't a lock to make the Finals after all. dark

Once again, a lot of this will depend on Kyrie Irving’s decision, but Rozier shouldn’t be somebody the Celtics should invest their money in moving forward.

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