NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 5 ways everything goes right for the Celtics

By Cody Rivera | Sep 27, 2018

CANTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: From left, Boston Celtics' Jayson Taytum, Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford pose for a team photo on Boston Celtics media day in Canton, MA on Sep. 24, 2018. (Photo by Michael Swensen for The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 25: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. Terry Rozier makes the Sixth Man of the Year conversation

Boston’s fourth-year backup point guard is finding himself in somewhat of an unfair situation. After Irving’s season ended late last year, Terry Rozier was promoted to the starting point guard position and turned in a terrific postseason.

Rozier’s most notable performance in the playoffs came during Game 7 of the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, when he recorded 26 points and led the Celtics to a 112-96 win. In the 2018 playoffs, Rozier averaged 16.5 points. He even gave Boston fans a little extra entertainment with his mini rivalry with Milwaukee’s Eric Bledsoe, accidentally calling him “Drew Bledsoe” and even wearing a jersey of the former New England Patriots quarterback to one of the games.

With Irving back in the lineup, Rozier will be headed back to the bench. Basically, he’s a starting point guard who isn’t starting. There was even talk that he might be traded to a team where he would be able to start, but Danny Ainge is hanging on to him because he knows just how valuable of a player Rozier is. He’s got two starting-caliber point guards, but unfortunately he can’t start them both.

Even though he is no longer starting, Rozier will be in a big position to contribute off the bench, providing extra depth on the Celtics’ roster. If he continues to play well, he might just be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. He’ll play a big part in Boston’s quest for championship No. 18, especially if he continues to be a sharpshooter from beyond the arc.

Rozier also is a pretty solid insurance plan at the point guard position, should something happen to Irving again.

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