The expectations are high when acquiring an elite three-way scorer who averages more than 23 points per game. When trading for Terry Rozier last January, the Miami Heat expected someone to bolster a lacking offense.
Despite knowing his averages would go down, no one expected that the 11-year veteran would be this bad just one year later. Instead of being the dynamic player that would change the offense, he became part of the problem.
Rozier has been in a shooting slump from everywhere on the court. Now, in what is supposed to be the prime of his career, Rozier has averaged 12.1 PPG, the fewest since leaving the Celtics for the Hornets in 2019. With Butler now out of the fold, Miami clearly needs a boost on offense, and regardless of the 126-106 loss to the Cavaliers, Terry Rozier had arguably his best game of the season.
The loss against the Cavaliers was only the fourth time Rozier had scored 20+ in a game this season. It is shocking, considering he averaged over 20 PPG in three of his five seasons in the Queen City.
If Miami hopes to make the postseason in most likely a universe without Jimmy Butler this year, “Scary Terry” must come back to life.
In Wednesday's loss to the Cavs, Miami got a flash of what Rozier is capable of. He finished with 22 points, hitting two three-pointers and shooting an efficient 8 of 13 from the field. He also contributed four rebounds and four assists, showing glimpses of the offensive spark that Miami desperately needs. Rozier’s performance was one of the bright spots in a game that the Heat hoped to forget.
One game does not define a season but can be a turning point. If Rozier can build on this, he may finally become the offensive weapon Miami thought they were getting. With the all-star break near and every game getting more meaningful in a tight Eastern conference, the Heat will need him at his best.
If Rozier can regain his confidence and shooting touch, there is still an opportunity to save their season for Miami.
However, if his struggles persist, the postseason hopes of the Heat will dissipate, just like their offense has this season. It is time for Terry Rozier to prove that he is more than part of the problem. He needs to be part of the solution.
