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Boston Celtics: Who Will Be The Top Rookie For The C’s?

By Eric Laboissonniere

Feb 21, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Jordan Mickey (25) shoots over Florida Gators forward Jon Horford (21) during second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Florida 70-63. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Jordan Mickey (25) shoots over Florida Gators forward Jon Horford (21) during second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Florida 70-63. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics will likely start next season with three rookies on their roster in Terry Rozier, R.J. Hunter and Jordan Mickey. Those three rookies should spend a majority of their time in the NBA next season, but each player might spend some time in the NBA D-League as well.

Each player has different skills to offer, and each player could come in to affect the game in different situations. Rozier is great defensively, Hunter is a fantastic shooter, and Mickey is a great rim protector and rebounder. Each rookie has great skills to offer, but which player will be the top performer for the Celtics next seas0n?

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Rozier’s case

Rozier has a very similar game to both Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley. Rozier is a defensive-minded guard, who does have the ability to attack the rim, but he will not be called on to really attack the rim. Rozier will have the least impact on the Celtics next season because he is going to need time to become a better jump shooter, which is something the Celtics need right now, not another defensive-minded point guard. Rozier will not be the top rookie for the Celtics next season.

Hunter’s case

Hunter could be huge for the Celtics next season because of his ability to shoot the basketball from anywhere on the court. He also can create his own shot, which could be really useful when Boston needs some scoring help off the bench. Hunter could easily come off the bench for the Celtics next season and average a couple threes a game, but he might spend some time in the D-League at the start.

Hunter has the most upside as a rookie next season because he also has good length defensively to disrupt passing lanes, but he must put on a little more size to compete with many of the guards on the defensive end.

Mickey’s case

Mickey impressed during his stint with the Celtics during summer league, and he earned himself a great contract. He is an elite rim protector and great rebounder, but he will not see the floor that much because of the amount of players in the Celtics’ frontcourt.

Mickey will not be relied on for his offensive game, he will get called upon to protect the rim, even though he is a little undersized. Mickey should spend some time on the floor for the Celtics next season, but he might start off in the D-League.

Who is the top rookie?

The Celtics will rely heavily on many of their returning players next season, but Hunter should be able to help out the Celtics next season right away. He should play the most minutes for Boston next season as a rookie because of his ability to shoot. The Celtics do not need another defensive-minded guard right now or a undersized rim-protector, the team needs a shooter, and that shooter is Hunter.

Rozier and Mickey should see some floor-time next season, but Hunter will be the top performing rookie for the Celtics next season because he will be able to help out on the offensive end right away with his knockdown shooting.

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