Rozier over Portis, A Magnificent decision Lol.

[jambr380]

Will probably never start as an undersized guard with no passing ability whatsoever, but I see great first guard off the bench upside in his future. A good pick from a middling position in a weak draft.

I think those botched alley-oop passes earlier this season have given Rozier and unfair reputation. His passes have been pinpoint this post-season, including the drive and kick to IT for 3 (just before Rozier hit his) in the 4th. It's taking a little time for him to find the correct speed at which to play, but he can be a game-changer when he is in control.

[green_bballers13]

I really like Portis. I like Rozier. I think Rozier could be included to make a trade work. Danny saw a rebounding guard with quickness and took him. I'm not going to blame him for this one as much as the Greek Freak miss. Danny's worst decision, in my book.

[Vermont Green]

I really like Portis. I like Rozier. I think Rozier could be included to make a trade work. Danny saw a rebounding guard with quickness and took him. I'm not going to blame him for this one as much as the Greek Freak miss. Danny's worst decision, in my book.

I don't agree.  Fab Melo was a much worse draft decision.

[Future Celtics Owner]

I really like Portis. I like Rozier. I think Rozier could be included to make a trade work. Danny saw a rebounding guard with quickness and took him. I'm not going to blame him for this one as much as the Greek Freak miss. Danny's worst decision, in my book.

I don't agree.  Fab Melo was a much worse draft decision.

The Bucks were criticized for taking GA at that spot and many thought he was a stach player...but GA refused lol and the rest is history.

DA should have traded up for Myles Turner and before the draft that had been rumored. I followed everything with Turner and stayed ontop of what we may have to give to grab gim. But that horrible offer to Jordan for the 9th pick.....I though Ainge was legitimately unhinged.

[crimson_stallion]

Rozier had a good game. By now Portis probably would have had a good game in the playoffs.

Rozier has played well in almost every single playoff game so far, and has had a positive impact pretty much every time he's stepped on the floor. He's been right up there with Smart and Olynyk as the three guys who have been contributing off the bench consistently, every night.

Portis had one good playoff game, and then for the next 5 games against us he may as well have not been on the roster - because he did nothing at all.

Rozier has definitely played well in this series, but when I think of reasons the Celts are winning these games he's a little lower on the list and improved rebounding is pretty high.

And you think Rozier's outstanding rebounding all through the playoffs has had nothing to do with that?

[crimson_stallion]

Will probably never start as an undersized guard with no passing ability whatsoever, but I see great first guard off the bench upside in his future. A good pick from a middling position in a weak draft.

Rozier's career assist rate is 15.5%, and Marcus Smart's career assist rate is 18.5%. 

Both are firmly in "combo guard" territory and neither is really much of a threat of ever becoming a pure PG, but neither deserves to be described as having "no passing ability whatsoever" either.

They are both perfectly capable passers, it's just not their greatest talent.  Smart is an excellent defender who can also pass the ball and occasionally have an impact on offence.  Rozier is an excellent scorer who can also pass the ball and occasionally have an impact on defence. 

They actually make a nice team, and could eventually become the best backup guard duo in the NBA - in fact the way they are playing in these playoffs, they might already be.   

[crimson_stallion]

I really like Portis. I like Rozier. I think Rozier could be included to make a trade work. Danny saw a rebounding guard with quickness and took him. I'm not going to blame him for this one as much as the Greek Freak miss. Danny's worst decision, in my book.

You underestimate Rozier as a prospect, i think.  He was much more then a quick rebounding guard.

* He was the go-to scorer on his team (17 PPG for Louisville) and one of the more well rounded scorers in the draft - midrange game, slashing ability, pull-up, spot-up, three point range, ability to get to the line.  He could score in a variety of ways, and was good at making difficult shots.

* He was the best defensive player on a team that was known for it's defence.  One of the best perimeter defenders in the draft thanks to his length, his quickness, his toughness, and his relentless motor. 

* He was recognised as a very good ball handler, with a variety of dribble moves, and an impressive ability to change directions and stop on a dime.  Bit risky with his moves sometimes, but he always was seen as a skilled ball handler - one of the better handlers in the draft.

* Was seen as an elite rebounder for a guard, something that has clearly translated to the NBA game.

He was also seen as a capable (if not standout) play-maker.

The only weaknesses that were really listed for Rozier were:

* His jump shot: He had nice form and was a proven shooter, but he was known for forcing shots and his percentages from three were not very good.  This was largely due to the fact that he was the only real offensive minded player on an otherwise defensive oriented team, so he was forced to take a lot of shots and always drew the opponents best defender.

* Position: His score-first play style better suited the SG spot, but at 6'2" people questioned whether he had the size to play the SG spot in the NBA.

They were honestly the only real criticisms to his game, and he was consistently praised for his intangibles (good attitude, great work ethic, exceptional motor, winners mentality, clutch gene, etc).   

It's not hard to see why Danny liked him at #16.  I think he was genuinely surprised that he slipped that far. 

[crimson_stallion]

Rozier leads the playoffs with a +94 plus-minus rating, and has not committed a turnover in 128 minutes.  The kid can play, and has stepped up sharply in the playoffs. Maybe Danny wasn't so stupid for not giving him up for Ibaka.

Great stat. +/- is a noisy stat, but it speaks to Rozier's impact.

To be honest I'm even more impressed by 0 turnovers in almost 3 full games' worth of minutes from a guard who handles the ball and drives a lot.

Indeed. 

Terry plays very aggressive on offence and is incredibly fast with the ball, and there have been numerous times I've seen opponents harass him with full court pressure and he hasn't broken a sweat.

Add to that the fact that he is moving the ball A LOT out there, and zero turnovers really is incredibly impressive. 

To have a guy giving you points, rebounds, assists and solid defence without any turnovers - that's really, really valuable.