When Boston Celtics rookie Terry Rozier leaps, it sometimes looks as though he's unlocked a secret trampoline hidden beneath the parquet floor. There have been times this season when the 6-foot-1 guard has drawn incredulous glances from the likes of Dwight Howard and Tristan Thompson while skying to grab defensive rebounds in their vicinity.

In fact, Rozier is so springy that there was a sequence during a visit to Los Angeles earlier this month in which Rozier, alone in the lane, jumped to grab a rebound and actually lingered in the air long enough that he turned his entire body 180 degrees and began to look up the court before gravity finally reeled him in. Spotting a clear path, Rozier needed only five quick dribbles to get to the opposite free-throw line where he busted out a Euro-step before finishing an and-one layup while getting fouled by Lakers center Roy Hibbert.

As Jared Sullinger pulled Rozier off the floor, point guard Isaiah Thomas rushed over to congratulate the rookie and Jae Crowder followed with an emphatic chest bump. It was maybe the most intriguing glimpse of Rozier's raw potential this season as it showcased his speed and overall athleticism.

Rozier has distinguished himself early in his NBA career with his rebounding ability. Of all guards playing at least eight minutes per game this season, Rozier is ninth in the league in total rebound rate (grabbing 9.9 percent of all available rebounds during his floor time). Many of the names above him have at least a five-inch height advantage and often play the small forward position.

Rozier's no stranger to using his leaping ability to hang with those bigger than him.

"I grew up at a park in a tough neighborhood with a lot of kids that were way taller than me," Rozier said of his time at the Zelma George Recreation Center and nearby Woodland Hills Park in Cleveland, Ohio. "We always played this game '33' and everybody played it tough. So I was always the smallest guy and I had to find a way to get my own rebounds. Whether I had to fight, scratch, bite for it, it was something that I had to do to make a statement in the city in the park.

"So that’s something that I always had in me since I was young. Then as I got older, high school, middle school, college, it always translated. It’s always been in my mind to go get my own rebounds and start the break myself because it goes back to when I was young, just getting in there."

Rozier's stat line won't catch your eye. In 38 appearances, he's averaged 1.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1 assist over 8.1 minutes per game. He's shooting just 27.9 percent.

Some thought the Celtics reached a bit when they snagged Rozier at No. 16 in June's draft. Boston already had a deep backcourt headlined by the likes of Avery Bradley, Isaiah Thomas, and Marcus Smart, the No. 6 pick in the 2014 draft. But Rozier's uptick in playing time while Crowder was sidelined recently by a high ankle sprain left Celtics fans a bit more curious about the 22-year-old.

Rozier knows that his playing time could be sporadic when the playoffs arrive later this month. Boston has often crunched to a firm nine-man rotation and can lean on Thomas, Bradley, Smart, and Evan Turner to fill available guard minutes.

Rozier hopes his play -- including those high-flying rebounds -- have helped others take notice of his potential.

"I think it’s a start. I think I can impact the game in a lot of ways and I appreciate a lot of people saying I’m getting better," said Rozier. "I just feel I’m getting more comfortable. I know I’m capable of a lot of things, rebounding is definitely one of them. So if that’s going to help me get me in the game, help me with playing time, help this team out, then I’m all for it. It’s something that I’m always going to do, it’s an effort thing. It’s always going to be in me."

Rozier has struggled with his shot. He's connected on just 24.3 percent (18 of 74) of his attempts from beyond 3 feet. Bradley, now one of Boston's most consistent shooters, knows all about working through shooting struggles early in his career and is encouraged by what he's seen from Rozier.

"The guy has been working hard every day. This league is all about opportunity," said Bradley. "It’s important when you get that opportunity to make the most out of it. The thing about Terry is playing hard and not worrying about making mistakes. He has to use that opportunity to get better, and that’s what he’s doing."

Echoed Celtics coach Brad Stevens: "If [Rozier] stands out here [on the practice court], he'll hit a ton of shots right in front of you. He's going to be fine shooting the ball. I feel really good about that. I think, like anything else, some of his shots are affected by the fact that he doesn't have the ball a lot. And in some of those situations where he's playing off of other people, that's kind of new role. Again, I don't have a whole lot of concern. His mechanics are really good. The way he shoots the ball in the air looks good and his reps and the work ethic is good. I think as his minutes increase and his years go by, he'll improve in that regard."

Rozier has found inspiration in fellow Ohio native C.J. McCollum, who had a similar limited role as a rookie (476 minutes in 38 appearances) but is in line to take home the league's Most Improved Player award this season.

"I talked to C.J. McCollum when we first played [the Blazers] at home about his process coming up," said Rozier. "He’s from Ohio, too. Stay patient and your time will come. It’s all about opportunity in this league."

Rozier has made the most of his chances this season. He says he'll be ready if needed in the postseason and is excited by the chance for more strides this summer.

"I’m feeling good right now," said Rozier. "And I’m going to continue to work hard. That’s never going to stop."

Source:
courtesy of ESPN

by Chris Forsberg

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