Boston Celtics: 5 big goals for 2018-19 NBA season

2. Evaluate Kyrie Irving vs. Terry Rozier

More and more it’s starting to be discussed as to whether or not the team should consider Terry Rozier or Kyrie Irving as the team’s long-term starting point guard. That’s not saying that Rozier is better, but it does speak volumes to how much he’s improved.

The once former 16th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft has never really been given a real shot at standing out. This season he was able to get his first career start in the place of the injured Irving. He turned that opportunity into a real showing. As a starter he averaged 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.

The once considered backup in the NBA could be looking at a bigger payday and a starter’s job soon, especially if he can show out again during the upcoming season. There looks to be a real chance of that happening if Irving has any more injuries this year.

Irving has never played a full season and has only played in a career-high 75 games back in 2014-15. He’s still better than Rozier, but would ultimately cost the team a lot more money to re-sign, which could be an issue with Tatum and Brown in line for bigger contracts.

Both of these players will be free agents during the 2019 offseason. It’s up to the Celtics to determine if they can win as many games with Rozier starting. They would save money and would likely be able to add more assets. Then again, Irving is an elite point guard and someone you don’t come across often.