Players who might step up this year

[DERRENMATTS]

With a team full of young and inexperienced players, it's always exciting to wonder about who might take that big step forward in their development and become a solid contributor (and maybe, just maybe a star).

Now, I don't want to sound like a homer and say that every young player on the team has an equal chance of taking that step -- there are players who I just don't have that kind of optimism for. James Young being one them.

I'll just list the ones who I think has a fair chance to step up this season.

Terry Rozier
Ainge already hinted during the summer that Rozier has earned a spot in the rotation. You could probably have come to that conclusion by watching him in the playoff series last year. Rozier's speed, energy and hustle was a boost for the team, especially on the boards. I think Rozier is ready to do more than that. As a ball handler, slasher, 3 pt shooter, pressure defender and rebounder, Rozier could affect the game in many ways in his short stints on the court.

Jordan Mickey
Shot blocking and deep range from the Bigs are in short supply, and these could be what Mickey provides. He knows what his role is, and he's been working hard on them in the D-League, and has found success there. Now it's time to parlay that onto the NBA hardwood.

RJ Hunter
He's been a disappointment thus far, but I still have hope that his shooting will surface and be a weapon for us. I think the speed of the NBA was hard for him to adjust to, and he didn't know how to keep space in between him and his defender. But mostly, I don't think he knew where his scoring opportunities were going to come from (am I strictly a 3 pt shooter? Do I drive, do I pull up for long jumpers, am I supposed to create for others, etc?). Now in his 2nd year, I think his feel for the game will be better, he'll play at a more comfortable speed, and he'll know where his offense will come from (i.e. know his spots on the court where he'll be expected to be shooting from, and what to do on his close out drives).

Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley
I don't think I'll include these guys in the criteria because they've already broken into the heavy rotation and play lots of minutes, and have had success. But I do think both will show improvements in their game, and be greater contributors than they were last year.

[FLCeltsFan]

I wouldn't rule out Kelly Olynyk to step up. His shoulder should be healed and he will be healthy. Before the shoulder problems popped up, Kelly was playing well and was among the leaders in 3 point shooting. He had bulked up some and was doing better on the defensive end as well. I'm hoping that he takes a leap this season. He was on the cusp of it last season.

[DERRENMATTS]

I put Kelly in the same group as Marcus and Avery -- these players have proven already to be NBA caliber.

The young guys I'm talking about are the ones who have been drafted and have yet to graduate from the D-League and break into the Celtics' active roster, on a permanent basis.

But yes, I do think Olynyk is ripe for an awakening. If he's going to show it, it'll be this year. Whether he does or not, it remains to be seen. But his confidence was growing before the shoulder injury. Hopefully he can get back on track.

[freshnthehouse]

I would say the most likely are Smart, Rozier, and Olynyk. Mostly because of opprotunity, but also because i think all of them have it in their games to up their production.