There are some players who enter the NBA and are stars from the moment they step on the floor. With more experienced players ahead of him, Terry Rozier has more work to do. He had to miss that train.

But he believes another is coming along.

“Oh, yeah. I wouldn’t play if I’m not aiming to be a star,” said the Louisville product who got into just 39 games as a Celtics rookie. “That’s the main goal. I want to win.”

Players and coaches around him think he’ll get there, leading some in the organization to believe that some of the help the Celts need next year is already on the roster (Jordan Mickey also falls into this category, and it will be interesting how R.J. Hunter will look after a summer of work).

Rozier averaged just 1.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and .9 assists in a mere 8.0 minutes per appearance, but there was a nine-game stretch in March, coinciding mainly with Jae Crowder’s absence, when he was a fairly important part of the rotation. He went for 2.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists over a still modest 13.5 minutes a night in that time, but there were clear signs that he will be capable of more.

Rozier was a DNP in the first game of the playoffs, but after Avery Bradley got hurt in the opener against the Atlanta Hawks, he came in to offer 4.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 19.7 minutes. He made 4-of-7 shots on the way to 10 points in Game 2.

Beyond the digits is the fact that the wiry, strong 6-foot-2 point guard handled himself extremely well on both ends of the floor as he fought to get into the flow after a year spent largely on ice, D-League stints notwithstanding.

Isaiah Thomas didn’t want to offer a projection.

“I don’t think you can do that with him right now,” Thomas said, “but given opportunity, I think once he gets comfortable, he’s going to be really good.

“He’s quick, athletic — a typical point guard these days that can get into the paint, create for himself and create for others. I think he’s going to be real talented in this league.”

Coach Brad Stevens certainly sees it.

“I just think that he’s got a burst that is pretty unique,” Stevens said. “He’s still learning how to do things, but he’s making good progress, and his attitude’s really good. I mean, he’s a non-stop worker. He wants to be really good, and that’s a great trait for a young guy whose minutes are inconsistent.”

Looking back, Stevens said, “I didn’t know much about him when I first saw him, which was in our draft workouts. But (president of basketball operations) Danny (Ainge) had really scouted him extensively and Danny had talked extremely highly of him, so I watched a couple of games. I knew that he was going to be in consideration for our pick, because Danny had come back so high on him. And then obviously when he gets in those workouts, you could see his burst was just different. Like he’s just got a different speed and level than a lot of guys.”

Rozier’s performance in training camp only added to Stevens’ belief.

“I thought he was good,” he said. “I think the biggest thing that you have to get answered in those moments is, what’s his real work ethic like? You’ve got practices and everything else going on at that time of the year. But he showed a great work ethic, and he’s continued that whether he’s playing or not.

“He’s got a chance. He’s got a chance, no question. He’s got a high ceiling.”

Said Thomas: “Half the battle is working, becoming a student of the game, watching film and just learning. Then when your opportunity comes, you just take full advantage of it. So he’s going to be good, man. I like his game, and I like his mindset.”

“One thing about this league,” Bradley said, “is that once somebody gets an opportunity and has confidence, anything is possible. That’s the case for Terry. Obviously he’s going to go out there and he’s going to make mistakes, but all those things are things he can learn from and keep improving as a player. The thing about Brad is he gives you opportunity, man.”

Rozier’s opportunity has helped shape him. His D-League runs were important, but seeing your game work on the NBA stage has greater powers.

“This is the best of the best,” Rozier said. “This is the best league in the world. When you’re getting out there and making things happen and just being part of the team, it’s special. It feels good. It does a lot for my confidence just to know that I was part of the rotation.”

Looking forward, Rozier said, “They’re going to see my growth over the summer. We talked about a lot of things I need to work on. … I can’t wait ‘til next season, just because I feel like we were cut just a little bit short, and I just started playing at the end of the season. I really want to keep playing.”