The Miami Heat were headlined prior to the 2024 NBA trade deadline with the team’s trade acquisition of scoring guard Terry Rozier. Kyle Lowry, along with a first-round draft pick, was dealt to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Rozier. He is currently on a team friendly salary; set to make roughly $24 million this upcoming season.
For a starting caliber point guard that was averaging a career-high 23.4 points prior to the trade this season, it was a solid move for the price tag. Miami was missing strong point guard production arguably since Goran Dragic in the 2019-2020 season. They were able to finally flip the underperforming Lowry and his $30 million contract.
Rozier finished the season with 19.8 points, 5.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals on 44% shooting and 36% from 3-point range in combined games on the Hornets and Heat.
Unfortunately, his arrival to South Beach was cut short. He suffered a neck injury that kept him out the last handful of regular season games and the entirety of the postseason. But Rozier spoke to Heat reporters recently, and confirmed he has been cleared for a return at full strength by the start of training camp.
Here are the standout quotes from his dialogue at the interview (via Miami Herald):
“It was tough just to look at myself in a neck brace… it was a mutual agreement with me and the Heat that I wasn’t feeling the best, super comfortable, so we sat it out/wait it out, I think I would have played 2nd round if we made it.”
“Everybody wants to prove people wrong. Everybody is doubting us, which is fine… I think we all have the right mindset that we want to prove people wrong… me and the guys putting on the Heat jersey are going to be ready.. I’m feeling great.”
“We want to run it back with our same team – that’s what it’s looking like – we want to show the fans what we can bring to Miami… we’re looking to get out there & make an impact all together… I think we’ll be fine. With the great mind of Spo, we’ll be good.”
Terry Rozier today:
“It was tough just to look at myself in a neck brace… it was a mutual agreement with me and the Heat that I wasn’t feeling the best, super comfortable, so we sat it out/wait it out, I think I would have played 2nd round if we made it.” pic.twitter.com/ofGAV3GZAY
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) July 9, 2024
Rozier: “We want to run it back with our same team – that’s what it’s looking like – we want to show the fans what we can bring to Miami… we’re looking to get out there & make an impact all together… I think we’ll be fine. With the great mind of Spo, we’ll be good.” pic.twitter.com/o1Y1R7oZq7
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) July 9, 2024
Rozier: “Everybody wants to prove people wrong. Everybody is doubting us, which is fine… I think we all have the right mindset that we want to prove people wrong… me and the guys putting on the Heat jersey are going to be ready.” pic.twitter.com/lB00tQkCY3
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) July 9, 2024
Ultimately this Heat core cannot reach its full potential without a healthy Rozier in the fold. His ability to create offense for himself and others is an asset that Miami has been in need of for years. He had that five-game stretch after the trade where he averaged nearly 30.0 points on outstanding efficiency.
There is also the fourth quarter heroics that he brings to the table; most notably in the win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in March of this year.
Being at the age of 30 years old, Rozier is right in the middle of his prime. His age helps bring a balance between both Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo’s timeline. Not to mention he also has ample playoff experience back with the Boston Celtics when he was younger.
Having another creator, especially in the clutch, can unlock a lot of the Heat’s strengths as a unit. It will be great to have him back for a full training camp and season, in what will surely be an attempt for a bounce-back year from both Rozier and the team.
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I am thrilled to have Terry healthy and motivated. Our top three, if Jimmy plays at anywhere near his best, is pretty good, definitely competitive. We will get to see if it is good enough because it looks like there is no calvary coming to save us. If somehow we trade Ty and get a really good player, even LaVine level, but no less, talking a low A- player or better, and then we can feel more ready to compete in the arms race that is the East. But, our top three, with a very good but not great Jimmy, or with an unhealthy for over 20 games Jimmy, falls short of the best of the East.
Maybe someone, but not LaVine. Not much better than Herro, has missed as many or more games, makes 33% more.