Charlotte Hornets
Is Terry Rozier the real deal?
Looking back at the 2019 NBA offseason, the Charlotte Hornets will be forever remembered for lowballing Kemba Waker and running him out of town. Kemba eventually found his way to the Celtics and in exchange sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. Charlotte gave Rozier a hefty contract – three years, $59 million – as he now assumes the role as the team’s starting point guard and de facto face of the franchise.
The big question for the Hornets this season will center around Rozier’s ability to play at a high level as he prepares to fill the void left by Kemba. Scary Terry had his moments during the 2018 playoffs, where he helped lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, but not even his own team believed he was worthy of starter money.
The Hornets, clearly, thought otherwise. Rozier will have to produce because of both the circumstances (the Hornets don’t have much of a supporting roster around him) and his contract. It’s the only way the Hornets can come away in a positive light after what transpired this summer.
Of course, that’s much easier said than done. Hornets’ fans don’t have much to look forward to this season, but keeping an eye on Rozier is a must.