Tag Archives: jamal crawford

Terry Rozier Situation Breakdown

Salary Cap

The Celtics are already over both the salary cap and luxury tax threshold. Signing Rozier would push Boston further over the threshold, restricting the Celtics from signing any outside players this offseason, or in the near future.

This forces Boston to replace any impending free agents, like Marcus Morris, with veteran minimum players.

Playing Time

Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Marcus Smart #36 after the 112-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

It is well documented that Boston has a log jam in their backcourt. Kyrie Irving is the clear-cut starter, while Rozier and Marcus Smart are featured off the bench. Although this is a great scenario for the championship contending Celtics, it is a less advantageous spot for Rozier.

During Irving’s absence in 2017-18, Rozier started 19 playoff games, averaging 16.5 points, 5.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 36.6 minutes. His six 20-point games and one double-double helped the Celtics reach game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals.

With the Phoenix Suns reportedly interested in acquiring the point-guard, it is clear he is viewed as starting caliber in the NBA.

The Celtics options regarding Rozier’s future are as follows:

Contract Extension (Not Currently Viable)

The October 15th contract extension deadline has passed, meaning Rozier and the Celtics were unable to agree on an extension. “Scary Terry” reportedly rejected a $12 million offer from the Celtics. If the two parties are to come to a contract agreement, it will be during the free agency period.

Match Offer Sheet

One option for the Celtics will be to match the terms of another team’s offer sheet. This means that if the Phoenix Suns were to offer Rozier a $20 million contract, the Celtics would have two days to either match it or refuse. If the Celtics were to refuse, there would be no required compensation for Phoenix, and Rozier would walk. If Boston were to match the offer, their salary situation would become a farce, as Boston would be forced to pay a hefty luxury tax.

Assuming Irving signs with Boston for the max, and Al Horford accepts his player option, the Celtics will have three players making more than $30 million each next season. Including Marcus Smart’s new four-year contract and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s team options, the Celtics will have about $120 million tied up in just six players. If the Celtics match an offer sheet for Rozier, they will be forced to pay significantly.

Trade

Terry Rozier has drawn interest from the Phoenix Suns according to reports. (Photo from ClutchPoints.com)

Another option for Boston is to trade. The point guard and his $3 million contract have drawn interest from the Phoenix Suns, who allegedly made the Celtics an offer before signing free agent Jamal Crawford to a one-year veteran minimum contract.

If the Celtics do not think they can retain Rozier, the best decision would be to trade him before the February 7th trade deadline. For Boston, trading means avoiding a hefty luxury tax next season, at the cost of losing a sixth man of the year candidate. If the Celtics move Rozier, another guard will receive significant minutes. Candidates include Marcus Smart (who already receives significant minutes), Brad Wanamaker, or a new acquisition.

Celtics are in the driver’s seat

“Scary Terry’s” future in Boston is uncertain, although the Celtics are still in control. If they are willing to pay the luxury tax, Boston will be able to sign or retain Rozier. Alternatively, they can trade Rozier in order to accumulate future assets.

Ultimately, the Celtics are trying to build a dynasty, so going over the luxury tax may be worth the risk.

How Jamal Crawford Makes The Celtics Better

Crawford wants to add some hardware to his name before he retires

The 38-year-old veteran Jamal Crawford has reported mutual interest with multiple teams. Two of the most notable would be the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. Since entering the league in the year 2000, he has played for eight different teams. The three-time sixth man of the year recipient knows a thing or two about playing limited minutes.

Last year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he put up some solid numbers at age 37. In 80 games played for the team, he scored 10.3 points, while snagging 1.2 rebounds per game, and collecting 2.4 assists per game. Is there anymore he can give to any contending team?

What can he offer for the Celtics?

With a team that’s as young as this year’s Boston Celtics, this guy is worth keeping around. His ability is still up there to be able to perform on a nightly basis. He becomes more of an asset if he can help shape and develop the young core of guards on this roster, including Terry Rozier.

Terry Rozier got a small taste of being a successful starter in this league last season. While that opportunity will be very limited due to Kyrie Irving’s return this year, all eyes are on him to see if he can handle being put back on the bench and still showing ample amounts of ability.

In 16 games played as a starter, he averaged 15.6 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. What stands out to me are the 6.4 rebounds per game stat. Not a lot of point guards grab boards excessively like that besides Westbrook.

This is where Jamal Crawford comes into play. Even though he has had a successful career, he was never a prominent starting guard. If it seems that Rozier loses confidence or doesn’t play well, Crawford can come in and assist in his development.

While most sources can agree at least 4 teams are in the mix to gain his services, he clearly wants to win a ring sooner rather than later. With only the threat of signing with the Warriors, the Celtics currently have the second-best odds of landing him to Beantown.

According to Spotrac, his highest paid season was back in the 2016-17 season with the Los Angeles Clippers. That season he was 36 years old, and still made a cool $13,253,012 million.

With just weeks away from training camp, we will shortly see how this turns out. Stay tuned to Boston Sports Extra for the latest updates on everything Celtics!

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“Mutual Interest” Between Jamal Crawford and Celtics

Jamal Crawford could be shipping up to Boston.

According to Jared Weiss of the Athletic, there is apparently mutual interest between the 38-year old and the Boston Celtics. The Celtics don’t currently have a roster spot available. However, with the recent fiasco around Jabari Bird, Bird is expected to be released from the roster at some point in the near future. This leaves the door open for the team to sign the 3-time Sixth Man of the Year, likely for a one year contract.

According to @JaredWeissNBA, there's "mutual interest" between #Celtics and 18-year #NBA vet Jamal Crawford. He wants to join a title-winner. and C's could certainly use more 3-PT shooting.

Check out the latest #CelticsBeat, with guest host @EvanValenti: https://t.co/IDheeuzqv4

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) September 17, 2018

Crawford has had an illustrious career, spanning across eighteen seasons and seven teams. He spent most of his time with the Clippers and the Knicks, being with both for five seasons. Crawford also spent four years with the Bulls, two years with the Hawks, and one season each with Portland, Golden State, and most recently Minnesota. Crawford has produced a stat line of 15 points and 3.4 assists per game over the course of his career. While he only shoots 41% from the field, “JCrossover” is a 35% career three point shooter.

His Fit

The fit with the Celtics is clear. Crawford can become a solid shooting specialist off of the bench. Crawford proved last year with the Timberwolves that he’s still got it, even in the twilight of his career. In 20 minutes per game last year, he averaged 10.3 PPG off the bench for Minnesota. Though his defense is lacking, he would provide an offensive spark that was missing from the second unit last year.

Crawford would also be another veteran presence in the Celtics locker room. Boston is a very young team, and he would join Horford as one of the older players on the team. With a litany of developing guards, Crawford could serve as a useful mentor for the younger players.

If Boston is able to get a deal done, Crawford would be a valuable addition to the team. He would make an already deep squad even deeper if he ends up replacing Bird on the roster. Though he’s nearing the end of his career, he wants to get one more ring, and Boston could end up being the place for him to win one.