The Charlotte Hornets will surely arrive at a reset point in this 2019-20 season after eight years of Kemba Walker donning the uniform, this time bringing Terry Rozier, who they acquired in a sign-and-trade for Walker during free agency. Head coach James Borrego, fresh off his first year at the helm of an NBA team after several under Gregg Popovich, notes Rozier will need to step up as the commander of the troops, still with a lot to prove in his first season with the team.
“He’s going to set the tone for us as a leader, as a point guard, as a competitor every single night,” Borrego told Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.
“He competes on both sides of the ball. He’s a high-level defender. Offensively, I’ve got to get him more comfortable right now in our system. He’s got a lot to prove — the first time he’s out there as a starting point guard.”
Rozier had been chomping at the bit for more minutes in Boston, but now he has a clear avenue for not only more playing time, but the role of starter with the Hornets.
The 6-foot-1 point man showed his mettle during the 2018 playoffs, taking over for an injured Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart and running the show alongside youngsters Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Yet the question remains of his ability to lead for 82 games and a streak of inconsistencies that Borrego and company are hoping can be erased with more stable playing time and an ample opportunity with his new team.
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