2019 NBA free agency: 5 players most likely to be overpaid

By Simon Smith | Jun 17, 2019

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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4. Terry Rozier

Age: 25
Position: PG
2018-19 salary: $3.1 million
Status: Restricted free agent

Timing can be everything, and in this instance, the timing is not ideal for Terry Rozier. Following a breakout during the Boston Celtics‘ 2018 postseason run, Rozier found himself stuck as a reserve for the majority of last season, starting just 14 games following the return of Kyrie Irving.

So while he is 12 months removed from the stretch that saw the Celtics one win shy of the NBA Finals, Rozier will be hoping that front offices around the league will have long memories. During his momentous 2018 playoff run, Rozier posted 16.5 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 36.6 minutes per game. Given this 19-game run came at the business end of the year, it should serve as a good selling point for Rozier.

Terry Rozier on the Jalen & Jacoby show right now: "I'm looking to start (next season). ... I'm not looking to settle for anything less. I'm willing to work for it too, but that's my ultimate goal."
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 14, 2019

However, his overall numbers don’t lie. For his career, the 6’1″ Rozier has shot at just a 38.0 percent clip from the field during the regular season. Furthermore, he doesn’t excel as a distributor, with his 4.6 assists per 36 minutes last season representing a career high.

Granted, the Celtics and Rozier could come to an agreement this summer when taking into the account the extreme uncertainty surrounding All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.

However, with a number of teams around the league in search of a starting point guard, most notably the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz, Rozier’s asking price could ultimately prove to be an overpay.