Former Hornet Terry Rozier dodges bullet after scary looking injury

One of the recent departures for the Hornets ahead of the NBA trade deadline, Terry Rozier, now of the Miami Heat, suffered an ugly looking knee injury on Super Bowl Sunday while playing against the Boston Celtics.

In the third quarter, Rozier drove the lane and was fouled by Al Horford, landing awkwardly, and immediately falling to the floor and grabbing at his leg in obvious pain. The injury looked bad, and Rozier was basically carried to the locker room instantly without putting any weight on the leg at all. It was easy to assume the worst.

Rozier has avoided major injury

But on Monday, Shams Charania of the Athletic reported that Rozier had avoided major injury and an MRI showed just a knee sprain. He’ll be out for at least a week or two, but should likely be back before the end of the regular season.

This is great news for Rozier fans, and a massive sigh of relief for the Heat. His Miami career has gotten off to a fairly slow start as through 10 games he’s averaging just 12.6 points on 43% shooting and 23% from three.

For perspective, in 30 games with the Hornets this season, Terry was putting up 23.2 points, shooting 46% from the floor, and 36% from distance. Context is needed, as Rozier was a focal point in Charlotte, hoisting up 18.3 field goal attempts per game on 27.4 usage. In Miami, he’s more of a role player, and trying to fit into a lesser role; averaging just 12.8 field goal attempts a night with 22.1 usage.

The Heat need a healthy Rozier

Despite the slump, Rozier was a much-needed addition for Miami, as they will need his creation and shotmaking to give their offense a fighting chance in the playoffs. They could ill afford to lose him for the season so early into his Heat tenure.

Rozier, of course, was traded from the Hornets to the Heat on January 24th in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 lottery-protected first-round pick. Since the trade, Lowry has been waived by the Hornets and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.