Terry Rozier wants a "fair shot" to prove himself after last season, and the Miami Heat may not have any other option than to grant him that wish. Unless something significantly changes in the next couple of days, Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakucionis are both trending to miss the start of the regular season for the Heat.
That might be the exact perfect storm that Rozier needs to get that "fair shot" from Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to earn a spot in the rotation.
Assuming that the Heat still aren't ready to give Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith a full workload as they continue to work their way back from offseason injuries, there's a real chance that Miami will call on Rozier to fill some sort of role in the rotation to begin the year.
This is the opportunity that he could be looking for - and needs.
After missing much of the preseason because of an injury of his own, Rozier did play 11 minutes in his lone exhibition appearance for the Heat. Rozier finished with four points and two rebounds in that short stint. It may not have been enough to cement his status in the rotation, but, at least early on, availability could be his best ability for the Heat.
The Heat's rotation is still one big question mark
As opening week quickly approaches for the Heat, the team's rotation is still one big question mark. Sure, there are some certainties about who will be on the floor when the Heat takes on the Orlando Magic in their season-opener. However, because of injuries, the team could suffer in the backcourt.
While a couple of weeks ago, it couldn't have been conceivable that Rozier would be in the Heat's opening-night rotation, injuries have certainly thrown a huge wrench in all of that.
Even if Rozier does see some minutes early this season, it's unlikely to be in an extended role. Unless, of course, Rozier can prove that he deserves more minutes.
If that were to happen, I do suppose that's a good thing for the Heat. But it's certainly not something that fans will easily get behind.
Considering that Rozier was one of the worst players on the roster last year, it's going to take a lot for him to win back Heat fans. And it certainly won't come after just one game. It may not even come with a strong stretch.
I have a hard time believing that Rozier is ever going to get back in the good graces of Heat fans, but if it does happen, it's likely going to take months of sustained play.
Who knows? Maybe that will begin with an opportunity on opening night. The more and more you think about it, the more it seems like Rozier could get the "fair shot" he's hoping for.