FanPost

Setting Expectations For Celtics Rookies




Terry Rozier, R.J Hunter, Jordan Mickey, and Marcus Thornton made up the 2015 Boston Celtics draft class. Many reporters and writers marveled at Boston trading up to get Jahlil Okafor or picking someone like Bobby Portis or Myles Turner before the Timberwolves were on the clock in June at the 2015 draft. Instead, Boston did almost the exact opposite, but it is possible it could turn out well for the Celtics.

Every single new Celtic draftee has tremendous upside, and they showed that in their college careers. But, none may have more than aggressive big man Jordan Mickey, who was drafted out of LSU in the early 2nd round, who averaged roughly 15 points on 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Mickey was a key part of the 9-seeded LSU Tigers in the NCAA Tournament, and will look to add that leadership to the Celtics.

2014-2015 Jordan Mickey Season Stats:

31 games: 15.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 3.6 BPG

2015-2016 Jordan Mickey Projected NBA Stats:

77 games: 12.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.5 BPG

Explanation: Mickey's dominant stats from college will go down considerably because of the more high-quality talent that he will face, but will still be a good, consistent contributor on both sides of the ball for a potentially dangerous 2015-2016 Celtics team. I do believe his assists will go up as he has more options compared to LSU.

Terry Rozier played a major part in the Louisville Cardinals deep NCAA Tournament run, as he did it all. A rare breed, Rozier is a fierce point guard who isn't afraid to be aggressive and grab rebounds while dishing out assists and scoring at incredible paces. Rozier was highly talked about by All-Star point-guard Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, who "likes his game", and many say Celtics fans will love him in the long run.

2014-2015 Terry Rozier College Stats:

36 games: 17.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.0 SPG

2015-2016 Terry Rozier Projected NBA Stats:

10.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.4 SPG

Explanation: I really think Rozier could be the next Rajon Rondo. He has all the right tools and a lot of untapped potential that could give Celtics fans many things to cheer for. But, in his rookie year I don't believe he will have eye-popping stats because of the amount of other talented guards the Celtics currently hold on the roster. But, watch out Celtics fans, because before you know it, this kid will be blowing your mind.

R.J Hunter was loved by many during March, when he made a game-winning shot against heavily favorited Baylor, during which his father and coach at Georgia State, Ron Hunter, fell out of his coaching chair despite having a torn ACL. Hunter was easily the most talented player on Georgia State last season, and his sharp shooting from 3-point range certainly helped that title.


2014-2015 R.J Hunter Collegiate Stats:

19.7 PPG, 3.6 APG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 SPG

2015-2016 R.J Hunter Projected NBA Stats:

13.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG

Explanation: Hunter has the potential to be the Celtics most clutch and most talented rookie. He is well-rounded, and was widely considered as one of the, if not the, best shooter in the draft, and Boston needed another sharp-shooter, which they haven't had since Ray Allen. I am excited to watch this kid work for the Celtics.


Marcus Thornton will not be in the NBA this season, as he will be playing overseas in Australia with the Sydney Kings. Boston still retains his rights, but they will prefer to let their prized scorer develop before giving him a shot in the NBA. Since Sydney's season usually ends in February, the William and Mary alumni can come back to the states and play in the D-League for the last couple of months.

2014-2015 Marcus Thornton Collegiate Stats:

20.0 PPG, 2.9 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.6 SPG

2015-2016 Marcus Thornton Projected Australia/D-League Stats:

17.3 PPG, 3.7 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG

Explanation: While it is hard for me to judge what leagues in Europe and Australia are like, I do know what type of talent Thornton has. In Australia, he can play as a point guard and still have astonishing scoring performances while helping out his teammates on both ends. If he is fully developed by the 2016-2017 season, he could add to the already great group of guards on Boston's roster.

So, as you can probably tell I think highly of the Celtics rookies, and not because I am a Celtics fan, but they really do have great potential and talent. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this team and the players.

.

FanPosts are fan-created content and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CelticsBlog. Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.