Fansided

Terry Rozier is far more important to the Celtics than one might think

By Cody Rivera

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on October 22, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on October 22, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Celtics don’t plan on trading Terry Rozier, because he’s just as important to this team as the starters.

Trade rumors surrounding Terry Rozier, the backup point guard for the Boston Celtics, aren’t exactly a new thing.

Many expected Rozier would be dealt after last season, seeing as how if he remained with the Celtics, he would be taking a demotion back to the bench upon the return of Kyrie Irving. It was hard to imagine Rozier being OK with being removed from the starting lineup given the way he performed in the 2018 playoffs, helping Boston make a run all the way to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

He proved that he is capable of being a starting point guard in the NBA, but with Irving finally healthy again, there was just no way that could happen in Boston.

A trade didn’t go down during the offseason, and now in early November, the rumors are starting to pipe back up again. Those rumors have returned thanks to other rumors about Rozier complaining about his decrease in playing time. It didn’t take long for those rumors to get nullified as well.

What some people don’t realize is that Rozier is far more important to this Celtics team than it may initially appear.

There’s no doubt that the Celtics love having Irving, one of the best point guards in basketball, in their starting lineup. He’s a pure superstar, the kind that you build a championship team around. But the fact of the matter is that Irving’s health is never a guarantee. That was on full display last season when Irving missed the end of the regular season, and the entire postseason.

Staying 100 percent healthy can be a struggle for Irving, who has had constant knee problems for years now. That’s why Rozier provides a solid insurance plan should Irving get hurt again.

Last year, Rozier stepped in during the playoffs and averaged 16.5 points. He’s a starting-caliber point guard who isn’t starting, and as long as the Celtics have him on the bench, another injury to Irving might not completely derail their season — a season with very high hopes for winning a championship.

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If Irving can’t play, Rozier isn’t a bad second option. In fact, he’s probably better than the second option on most teams. And even if Irving does stay healthy, Rozier provides a powerful spark off the bench that most teams can only imagine having.

Rozier understands his role with this team, and if that means playing fewer minutes, then so be it. But right now, he’s too important to this team to be traded.

And you can bet Danny Ainge is well aware of that.

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