Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the bigstory line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Past performances doesn’t necessarily cement Rozier into the Celtics’ 2016-17 rotation. His opportunity in the playoffs was due in large part to Avery Bradley (right hamstring) having to sit out the entire series after the Celtics’ Game 1 loss in Atlanta. But Rozier’s skillset as a pure point guard will certainly increase his chances in becoming one of Stevens’ go to guys off the bench next season.
In a sixth man role, Evan Turner emerged as the team’s secondary facilitator for two years in Boston. As the secondary ball handler, Turner helped keep opposing teams at bay while the starters rested.
I for one am interested to see what becomes of Rozier this season, now that the team’s situation seems to put him in the way of more minutes. Seeings how Brad Stevens’ primary job was to win games, not bring along young players, Rozier racked up plenty of DNPs. Losing Turner potentially weakens the Celtics’ 2nd unit (although Turner was a net negative, that’s something of an oversimplification–James Young or RJ Hunter would’ve almost certainly been a greater net negative in those minutes). The onus is on Rozier to continue to play with the same poise he displayed in Summer League.
Page 2: Where the gang talks about what they’re looking forward to
Rich Jensen, Red’s Army (on Heinsohn saying Horford reminds him of a younger Tommy Heinsohn): I don’t think I need to explain why this would be awesome.
Ben Mark, Red’s Army (on Smart’s ascension): With Brown and Horford aboard, and Isaiah Thomas coming off an All-Star campaign, it’s easy to forget just how well Smart played in the first round of the playoffs. He probably won’t become a consistent threat to score, but he certainly showed more confidence with the ball in his hands in big moments last season. If anyone has a chance of joining Horford and/or Thomas in February it’s Smart, and watching his development should be incredibly exciting.
Mike Dynon, Red’s Army (on the Celtics being relevant again): Bad NBA teams are ignored. It has been at least three years since the Celtics were on ESPN more than once or twice per season, and they certainly weren’t on ABC. But now the NBA media are predicting great things for the C’s, and they are on national TV 22 times this season. The team is legit, people are talking about them and fans have growing expectations. It’s no longer “will we make the playoffs?” but “how far will we go?” So I’m excited they’re improved enough to be relevant again.
I was not the only person who made a Tommy Heinsohn observation. Click through to see the others…
The rest of the links:
Boston Herald: Celtics back in spotlight
Boston Globe: Celtics’ schedule includes return to Christmas Day game
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