Terry Rozier vs Damian Lillard (yes I know, another comparison)

[slightly biased bias fan]

There has been many comparisons of Rozier thrown around since draft day but I think Lillard could be the most apt.

When Lillard was draft his stats were very impressive, averaging 24ppg, 5 rebounds and 4 assists but some may have forgotten that Lillard was a 4 year man in comparison to Roziers 2. If you compare year 2 stats, they become very similar.

MP   FG   FGA   FG%   2P   2PA   2P%   3P   3PA   3P%   FT   FTA   FT%   TRB   AST   STL   BLK   TOV     PF   PTS

34.3   6.0   13.8   .431   3.3   6.9   .470   2.7   6.9   .393   5.3   6.2   .853   4.0   3.6   1.1   0.1   2.4   1.9   19.9

35.0   5.9   14.5   .411   4.6   10.1   .456   1.3   4.4   .306   3.9   4.9   .790   5.6   3.0   2.0   0.2   2.2   1.7   17.1

Lillard is the top line, the only glaring difference is Lillard was much more advanced with the 3 than Rozier at that point in his career, but not to be forgotten that Lillard played in a much weaker conference than Rozier.

Next, their styles of play are very similar;

https://youtu.be/bng3raIac0s

Here is a College mash up of Lillard's college days (please note that at 3:32, Mike Schmitz states that Lillard's 6"2 size is 'good' for an NBA point, against current scouts saying Rozier is 'too small').

https://youtu.be/yZ49LB7yBuk

Comparing Rozier's play and they attack the game the same way.

But where Lillard commands a stronger 3 point shot, Rozier's ceiling is actually higher because of his defensive instincts and length.

I would also like to note that I too saw that bleacher report video about Rozier and it should be said that Ric Bucher hates the Celtics. I've seen lots of Bucher videos where he dismisses almost all of our assets and players and Rozier is no exception, to compare him Bradley is either moronic or just another stab at the celtics.

[TheFlex]

I agree, the Bradley comparison is lazy and off base. They're two different players. Even if it was accurate, I'd be thrilled if the Celts got a player of AB's caliber at 16.

[The One]

That would be great!

[slightly biased bias fan]

I agree, the Bradley comparison is lazy and off base. They're two different players. Even if it was accurate, I'd be thrilled if the Celts got a player of AB's caliber at 16.

I've found that bleacher report as a whole is a blight on the journalism world. They don't pay their 'writers' an annual salary but rather per article, which only attracts under qualified 'writers' who are trying to get exposure. B/R then uses click bait and mass/wide reaching sports articles to get maximum ad revenue, while paying very little over head. Bucher is a prime example of that but because of B/R partnership with NBA, they make it out like these guys actually know what they are talking about. Bucher was one of the guys earlier this year saying Okafor was the second coming of Duncan, enough said lol.

[manl_lui]

I agree, the Bradley comparison is lazy and off base. They're two different players. Even if it was accurate, I'd be thrilled if the Celts got a player of AB's caliber at 16.

I've found that bleacher report as a whole is a blight on the journalism world. They don't pay their 'writers' an annual salary but rather per article, which only attracts under qualified 'writers' who are trying to get exposure. B/R then uses click bait and mass/wide reaching sports articles to get maximum ad revenue, while paying very little over head. Bucher is a prime example of that but because of B/R partnership with NBA, they make it out like these guys actually know what they are talking about. Bucher was one of the guys earlier this year saying Okafor was the second coming of Duncan, enough said lol.

if Rozier plays like Bradley straight up now, with better handles and court vision, then I would trade Bradley asap

I love Bradley but, I just think he would be redundant at that point and off the bench if Rozier were to take it from him

[max215]

Dame is a 6'3" offensively minded point guard who has attempted the 2nd (Steph had most) most threes each of the last 2 years. Dame is also renowned for his terrible defense. I'm a huge fan of both of these guys individually, but I don't see any similarities besides athleticism and position.

[slightly biased bias fan]

I agree, the Bradley comparison is lazy and off base. They're two different players. Even if it was accurate, I'd be thrilled if the Celts got a player of AB's caliber at 16.

I've found that bleacher report as a whole is a blight on the journalism world. They don't pay their 'writers' an annual salary but rather per article, which only attracts under qualified 'writers' who are trying to get exposure. B/R then uses click bait and mass/wide reaching sports articles to get maximum ad revenue, while paying very little over head. Bucher is a prime example of that but because of B/R partnership with NBA, they make it out like these guys actually know what they are talking about. Bucher was one of the guys earlier this year saying Okafor was the second coming of Duncan, enough said lol.

if Rozier plays like Bradley straight up now, with better handles and court vision, then I would trade Bradley asap

I love Bradley but, I just think he would be redundant at that point and off the bench if Rozier were to take it from him

Yes very true, I like have Bradley for now just to teach the rookies how to be a pro because he is the consummate professional but by the end of next season he should be the odd man out by the looks of RJ Hunter, Smart, Rozier, Thomas, as the rotation going forward.

[GzUP617]

  OP, great post.  I was literally having this convo with my brother yesterday regarding the similarities.   I came to the same conclusion that even if Rozier is not as much as a threat from the 3pt line as Lillard was/is his defense soley makes up for it. 

 The AB comparison is lazy and a terrible one. I have a feeling that if Rozier was selected one later pick by the bucks he would not have this much criticism.  Our failure to move up in the draft and than selecting another guard when we have an abundance of them is what drives the issue.

But Lets make it clear, I think Rozier is in a class of his own. I can definitely see why Ainge picked him and was one of the few familiar of him prior to selecting him on draft night.

[slightly biased bias fan]

Dame is a 6'3" offensively minded point guard who has attempted the 2nd (Steph had most) most threes each of the last 2 years. Dame is also renowned for his terrible defense. I'm a huge fan of both of these guys individually, but I don't see any similarities besides athleticism and position.

Lillard: 2012 NBA Draft Combine   w/o shoes 6' 1.75" with 6' 2.75"

They are essentially the same height, and if you've seen Rozier play you know he is an offensive minded PG, hence the lazy small shooting guard comparison. He just lacks the 3 point stroke that Lillard has but as I said Lillard was a 4 year college player who had more time to develop his shot, Rozier is only just 21 you can't compare him to a full fledge pro

[clover]

I agree, the Bradley comparison is lazy and off base. They're two different players. Even if it was accurate, I'd be thrilled if the Celts got a player of AB's caliber at 16.

I've found that bleacher report as a whole is a blight on the journalism world. They don't pay their 'writers' an annual salary but rather per article, which only attracts under qualified 'writers' who are trying to get exposure. B/R then uses click bait and mass/wide reaching sports articles to get maximum ad revenue, while paying very little over head. Bucher is a prime example of that but because of B/R partnership with NBA, they make it out like these guys actually know what they are talking about. Bucher was one of the guys earlier this year saying Okafor was the second coming of Duncan, enough said lol.

if Rozier plays like Bradley straight up now, with better handles and court vision, then I would trade Bradley asap

I love Bradley but, I just think he would be redundant at that point and off the bench if Rozier were to take it from him

This is where I think Rozier gets accused of being small: when he's slotted into the SG position. But to me he has all the tools to be a fantastic PG, and even when he's been on the floor with MS so far, he's been more the point that Smart. For a PG, he's got good size and strength, and fantastic speed and length.

[tarheelsxxiii]

I'm unclear, what is the prediction here? TR > DL? TR = DL? TR = DL lite?

[JBcat]

Rozier to me with his speed reminds me a little of Leandro Barbosa in his prime but maybe not quite as good O but better D.

[SHAQATTACK]

I think there is certainly a chance Rozier can play as good as Lillard.......if he works hard enough ...they are close to the same . 

Rozier needs more offense work.  Which ....if he is serious as Smart and Lillard .....it will come .

Lillard is better scorer right now .  But no faster or quicker I believe .

Revisit this Comparo in two years .

[PhoSita]

Rozier comps I think are closer to the mark -- Cory Joseph and CJ Watson.

[Boris Badenov]

Rozier comps I think are closer to the mark -- Cory Joseph and CJ Watson.

The thing is, that level of productivity wouldn't be too bad for a 16th pick, but it probably fits with absolutely no one's expectations given how binary opinions tend to be around here.