Fans around the NBA are jealous of the San Antonio Spurs. Who could blame them? This team will roster Victor Wembanyama for the foreseeable future. If he reaches his ceiling, he should be an all-time great player in this league.
What will the Spurs do next? It’s a tough call. This team could justify a number of decisions. The Spurs have plenty of young talent outside of Wembanyama. If they wanted to, they could play it slow. The Spurs could focus on development – and if they land another lottery pick in the process, so be it.
On the other hand, the Spurs could look to take a major step forward. This team could feel that getting Wembanyama and the rest of their young core some competitive experience would be invaluable. If they go that route, they could use an upgrade in their guard rotation. How about Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Reggie Bullock, G Devonte’ Graham, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Terry Rozier
In fact, Wembanyama’s states as the number one pick was certain. It’s been solidified for years. With that said plenty of fans thought the second overall pick was equally assured. Scoot Henderson was widely held to be the pick.
The Hornets thought differently. In all fairness, Henderson is a point guard – and so is LaMelo Ball. The Hornets had reservations about picking a player who plays their franchise player’s position. In the end, they’d select Brandon Miller with the second overall pick.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, San Antonio Spurs & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Did they make a massive mistake? Time will tell. If Henderson reaches his ceiling, and Miller doesn’t, this will be remembered as a debacle. By contrast, if Miller and Ball fit as well in practice as they do in theory, the Hornets could be remembered as geniuses. Does moving Rozier help them reach that goal?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Well, why did the Hornets pass on Henderson? Is it because he’s a point guard? Or, is it more broadly that he’s ball-dominant? Don’t the Hornets want the ball in the hands of their best player?
If so, they’ve been dealing with a conflict for years. Rozier has some off-ball value – more than Henderson will in theory – but he’s still a ball-dominant guard. Rozier is a score-first player who’d prefer to get his buckets by driving. It’s possible that his suboptimal fit alongside Ball has limited the Hornets in recent years.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, San Antonio Spurs & Charlotte Hornets Updates
So, they should at least be open to moving him. This would be a good return. Reuniting with Graham makes sense – the Hornets could use a backup point guard. Bullock is still a decent 3-and-D wing. Throw in an unprotected first-rounder, and this deal improves Charlotte’s outlook. What does it do for the Spurs?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
By contrast, the Spurs don’t need to worry about Rozier’s ball dominance. Most of their young guys are primarily off-ball players. In fact, even Wembanyama may fit that description.
In time, he won’t. Wembanyama has the natural ability to control a team’s offense. He’s just unlikely to do so in Year One – or even Year Two. As Wembanyama adjusts to life in the NBA, he’s likely to operate as a pick-and-roll finisher. His catch radius will make him elite as a lob threat, and his deft passing ability will help him in the short roll.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, San Antonio Spurs & Charlotte Hornets Updates
In the meantime, somebody needs to run the offense here. Rozier can create his own shot, and when he feels like it, he can set up teammates. He’ll give this team a more functional offense. If the Spurs want to start winning some games, this deal will help – and make the NBA jealous in the process.
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