Terry Rozier was a phenomenal replacement in Kyrie Irving’s absence during the 2017-18 playoffs for Boston. Averaging 16.5 points, 5.7 assists and 5.2 rebounds, proving that he is a viable starter in the league.
With Irving coming back fully healthy this season, it was expected that Rozier would take the backup point guard role for the Celtics. At first, Rozier seemed fine with this, according to Greg Brueck-Cassoli of the Celtics Wire.
“Coming back next year is gonna be a lot of fun,” Rozier told reporters, “As far as the starter thing, I’m not really worried about that. He’s a starter. He’s our starter. He’s our starting point guard.”
Now, it has reportedly become known that Terry Rozier is not happy with his minutes this season. Rozier has averaged 7.5 points, 2.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game off the bench for Boston. A clear dip from last year’s numbers but expected numbers from a backup point guard in the league.
Unexpected early-season Celts subplot: Terry Rozier (restricted FA next summer) has been unhappy w/ his PT all season, word has gotten around the league, and everyone now knows the Celtics need to trade him… which, of course, makes it harder to trade him.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 7, 2018
Terry Rozier is a restricted free agent this upcoming summer. He believes he deserves a big contract this summer, but averaging 7.5 points in just 22.7 minutes of play isn’t exactly going to get him that big paycheck. So it is understandable why he would be unhappy with his position.
Teams see this situation as an opportunity for them to land Rozier before the trade deadline. Shams Charania from the Athletic reports:
“Quietly, at least seven teams have been monitoring Rozier’s status this season…”
“The Phoenix Suns have aggressively pursued Rozier, even before firing Ryan McDonough as general manager, league sources said.”
The Celtics certainly don’t have to trade Rozier. He is a valuable piece to the team and probably the best backup point guard in the league to an often injured Kyrie Irving. That’s great insurance for Boston. As for Rozier, he’s in a great position to win a ring if he stays. However, he could be traded to a team like the Phoenix Suns that is light years away from even making the playoffs. Either way it goes, ‘Scary Terry’ has some decisions to make. Whether he wants to make his money, or win a ring.
