Is Rozier returning to Boston? Could happen.
Yes, it happened last night! The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 106-104 with former Celtics, Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier, leading the way with a combined 47 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. The question really has to be asked. Why can't the Celtics acquire and retain star players?
Granted, Terry was traded to Charlotte in order to bring in Kemba Walker. Gordon simply walked away in free agency. But we may also add the Nets Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant into this conversation. To many Boston fans, Kyrie's departure in free agency was a blessing, but Durant choosing the Warriors over the Celtics in 2016 was a blow to the Beantown faithful. And Al Horford leaving town took Boston locals by surprise.
Boston's often-crummy weather can't be totally to blame. We can understand when players might head to warmer climes, such as Los Angeles or Miami - but Horford to Philadelphia? Charlotte is somewhat warmer than Boston, but in last night's game, Hayward particularly looked healthy, confident and effective with his 28P/6R/7A line. At least for one game, it may appear that Gordon made the right decision - for him. At some point, Danny Ainge has to ask himself why some star players don't wish to come to Boston - or remain there.
Rest assured that Hayward will not be returning to Beantown, but the rumblings of Scary Terry's re-entry to Boston have already started. He is signed for $18.9M this season and $17.9M for 2021-22. Would he want to come back to New England? Possibly. Particularly if the Hornets choose to develop LaMeko Ball and Devonte Graham as their back court-of-the-future.
Whether Kemba Walker is healthy or not, Terry seems a good fit in the Celtics back court. In three games thus far, Rozier is averaging 26.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.0 APG and 1.3 SPG - while hitting 52% from the field and 43% on 3-pointers. Maybe he should have been retained in the first place.
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