Boston Celtics: Redrafting the last decade of first round picks
Original pick: Terry Rozier
New pick: Terry Rozier
Terry Rozier was one of the hardest picks to reevaluate. In his first few seasons with the Celtics, Rozier mostly rode the bench, learning how to use his speed and aggressiveness to his advantage.
Rozier was like a lite version of Russell Westbrook, running down the court faster than anyone else, going for steals, willing to give the open lane or get called for the foul. But without the ability to drive in the lane consistently or shoot, he did not have much of a role on the Celtics.
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His first flash was in the 2018 playoffs, after Kyrie Irving got hurt, where he was able to command the offense through the Milwaukee Bucks. But 2019 was a year filled with off the court issues, lack of playing time, and rumors. Rozier left the Celtics for the Charlotte Hornets in free agency signing a big contract.
With the Hornets, Rozier immediately emerged as a shooter, making 40 percent of his 3-point shots on 6.7 attempts from range. He also has learned to use his defensive aggressiveness to make an impact on that end of the court.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was probably the next best pick, who has had an equally fragmentary career but never developed to what Rozier has become. Although his time with the Celtics may not be considered a success, he was simply the best player available.
Many fans forgot that R.J. Hunter was once a Celtic. Why was he taken ahead of others? And who else could they have selected?