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The Boston Celtics are quickly building a tremendous defensive backcourt. Terry Rozier is a tenacious defender and combined with Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, will wreak havoc on opposing guards. With that being said, the Celtics may have jumped the gun a little bit.
With players like Bobby Portis and Sam Dekker available, the Celtics could have addressed a more glaring need in scoring. Rozier projected as a late first-round pick. The Celtics clearly had an affinity for him, but may have been able to wait until pick No. 28 to select him. The Celtics need help up front. The team needs rim protection and rebounding, not another undersized guard.
The Celtics could have addressed their rebounding and scoring needs with Portis, but they chose to address neither with Rozier. While Rozier did average 17.1 points per game last season, he’s a below-average shooter. He does most of his damage off the dribble and in transition. The Celtics have guards who can get to the rim in Smart and Isaiah Thomas. They could have benefited from a player who could knock down shots, something they lacked in the playoffs.
Rozier is not much of a creator either, as he averaged just three assists per game last year. Louisville‘s offense was anemic at times last year as well with him at the helm.
For the second straight year, the Celtics selected a defensive-minded point guard. They now have a surplus of guards, and one has to think that somebody is on their way out. The team was reportedly offering up Smart but has since denied those reports. If they stand pat, the Celtics will certainly have an an exceptional group of guards defensively, but their offense leaves something to be desired.
Thankfully they still have one more pick in the first round, and Portis is still currently available. Keep your fingers crossed, Celtics fans.
Derek McVay is a Boston Celtics beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mcvay34, or add him to your network on Google.
