New York Knicks: Five point guard alternatives if Kyrie Irving does not sign

4. Terry Rozier

The Boston Celtics had the talent to make the NBA Finals. Instead, they had a turbulent regular season and were shoved aside by the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs’ second round. Part of their core will hit free agency, including Marcus Morris, who the New York Knicks reportedly have interest in.

Another name is Terry Rozier, a restricted free agent who sat behind Kyrie Irving, another potential Knicks target, this past season. The Celtics can match anything Rozier signs if he receives a qualifying offer.

The Louisville product broke out in the 2018 postseason when Irving was injured, nearly partaking in a trip to the NBA Finals, until LeBron James sent them home in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. One disappointing year later, another starting chance is ahead.

Rozier’s numbers were underwhelming. He had just 9.0 points and 2.9 assists on 38.7 percent shooting and 35.3 percent on three-pointers. It did not stand out enough to warrant a larger contract, which should cause the Knicks to pause, but someone will hand the 25 year old the keys to their offense after what he did 12 months ago.

Boston can also make Rozier’s offseason difficult and match the offer he signs, which actually might trend in the player’s favor, since another team may go above whatever his market value is to ensure the deal is done.

This is among the back-end options for the Knicks to consider, especially if they strike out elsewhere in free agency. The use of cap space here is questionable, and they might fare better with other point guards.