Shortly after he became an official member of the Charlotte Hornets, Terry Rozier made a bold statement, saying that he has long been ready to take his game to the next level. He's set to fill the shoes left by All-Star guard Kemba Walker, who joined his former team, the Boston Celtics.
Rozier only averaged nine points, three rebounds, and four assists last season, numbers that don't even come close to what Walker has given Charlotte. But for Hornets head coach James Borrego, the 25-year-old guard has the potential to become something special.
In an interview with Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell, Borrego said that he's confident that Rozier will be able to take his game to another level next season.
“He’s young, lightly used, with still a lot of room for growth. He’s a guy who is motivated, hungry and ready for the next step. I think he’s part of the culture we’re trying to establish of competing at both ends of the floor. A guy who can get downhill, get to the rim.”
The Hornets acquired Rozier in a sign and trade with the Celtics, which resulted in the team paying him $58 million over the next three years. On paper, he's just another player that is going to be overpaid by Charlotte, but Borrego and the rest of the franchise's officials believe that he has what it takes to be an elite point guard.
Rozier understands that a lot is expected from him, but he's more than excited to prove himself to the Hornets and the rest of the NBA.
“It’s a big task, but this is something I’ve always prepared myself for. I’ve prepared for this for four years. Who doesn’t want to be a starter? Who doesn’t want to be a leader?”
Confidence isn't something that Rozier is lacking, but a few months from now, it will be time for him to walk all the talk.
The spotlight is his in Charlotte.
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