Terry Rozier’s 2023-24 season was cut short due to a serious neck injury that ultimately put him in a neck brace. He was ultimately sidelined for the team’s final 11 games, including both of the team’s play-in games and each of their five first-round games to the eventual-champion Boston Celtics.
It was reported in early July that the Heat expected Rozier to be ready for training camp- set to begin Oct. 1 in the Bahamas- and that the current timeline remains true.
Rozier spoke with local reporters Wednesday regarding his injury status and recovery less than three weeks until camp begins.
“Where I’m at right now is just about fully, fully, fully cleared to play 5-on-5,” Rozier said, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang. “But I am doing every on-court activity, playing a little bit of 3-on-3. So I figure in the next couple weeks, I’ll be graduating to 5-on-5. I feel great.”
After being acquired by the Heat in late January, Rozier averaged 16.4 points on 42.3 percent shooting, 37.1 percent from deep and 91.3 percent from the free-throw line. That came in addition to 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and one steal in 31.5 minutes per game. Prior to his injury, he had a 15-game stretch where he averaged 19.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 45.4/42.9/89.7 shooting splits, including a 34-point performance (10-15 FG, 8-11 3PT) against the New York Knicks on April 2.
“I’m a gamer, I’m a hooper,” Rozier said. “I think getting my wind up is the most important thing. But once we all come into camp together, just getting that full camp together is the most important thing. Not me trying to learn how to play five on five again, I’ll be fine. I think it’s just me getting with the other guys and getting on that level so we can play the right way, play together.”
According to Chiang, the “hope” for Rozier is that “he’ll begin playing 5-on-5 basketball next week,” which gives him two weeks to ramp up before camp begins.
There is expected to be competition for three starting slots during training camp, with Rozier fully in the mix for the starting point guard spot. The Heat don’t have a “point guard” on their roster outside of Rozier, unless you count Dru Smith, recovering from a torn ACL on a two-way contract, or Isaiah Stevens and Zyon Pullin, both on Exhibit 10 contracts fighting for a two-way.
It’s encouraging to hear that Rozier is healthy and able to make a full recovery ahead of camp. To echo Pat Riley’s sentiment, you don’t mess with injuries dealing with the neck or spinal area. Those aren’t a joke; they can be life-threatening, especially if they’re not taken care of properly.
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Terry will be fine. If he starts the season healthy vs Lowry, Miami should be expected to win at least five more games than last year’s ESPN forecast 46-36.
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Last year, Heat were projected to go 46-36 with Lowry. They went 46-36 playing half a season with an old Lowry and the whole season with an injured team. If they are all healthy (including Scary Terry) and Jimmy isn’t “doggin” it, they should win at least 50!