ReGrade the trade: Heat extend championship window with addition of scoring guard

Months after the Miami Heat acquired scoring guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets for Kyle Lowry and a first round pick, the deal has looked like a steal for Pat Riley and the Heat front office. It took some time to adjust, but now the Rozier that was advertised back at the time of the trade has arrived. The 30 year-old point guard has a skillset that this Heat team has needed all of the Jimmy Butler era. 

His ability to create shots for himself and others, get to the rim, rebound and defend has been huge, especially with Tyler Herro missing some extended time due to injury. 

During the time he played for the Hornets this season, Rozier had season averages of 23.2 points, 6.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 45.9% shooting and 35.8% from 3-point range. On the Heat, he has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals on 43.0% shooting and 35.6% from deep. He has appeared in 30 games for Charlotte and 28 for Miami so far.

As a season average between the two teams, he is averaging 20.1 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds on 44.6% shooting and 35.7% from three. 

Going from a number one option on a losing team to the third or fourth option on a contending team is a difficult adjustment for anybody, yet Rozier has done it graciously. In the beginning of his Heat tenure back in February, he looked a bit hesitant in his shot selection. His attitude was always great but after coach Erik Spoelstra and his teammates have expressed to him to be himself offensively, he has played much better. This has been a mentality that has steadily improved in consistency over the last 10 games or so.