Benching Terry Rozier is the Only Way the Heat Can Turn Things Around
As the Miami Heat continue to face inconsistent performances and mounting pressure to perform at a higher level, one change has become increasingly apparent—benching Terry Rozier might be the only way the Heat can turn their season around. With Miami underperforming and struggling to find cohesion on both ends of the court, shifting the rotation to better utilize available talent could be the spark the team needs.
Terry Rozier, acquired by the Heat in the offseason to provide scoring and leadership, has shown flashes of his usual scoring prowess but has been far too inconsistent. While his offensive talent is undeniable, his fit within Miami’s system has been shaky. Rozier is a dynamic scorer, capable of getting hot in a hurry, but his performance has been volatile. At times, he has taken on the role of a primary ball handler, but his decision-making and shooting efficiency have been problematic, often leaving the Heat without the necessary balance and structure.
Rozier’s struggles have been most evident in his shooting percentages. He is averaging a respectable 18.3 points per game, but his efficiency has been subpar—his field goal percentage hovers around 40%, with an even lower mark from three-point range. Miami’s offense relies heavily on spacing and ball movement, but Rozier’s tendency to force shots and make ill-advised plays has disrupted the flow, leading to missed opportunities and stagnation.
More concerning, however, has been his inability to contribute meaningfully on the defensive end. Miami’s success under head coach Erik Spoelstra has always been tied to their gritty, defense-first mentality. Yet, Rozier has struggled defensively, often being targeted by opponents in isolation situations due to his inability to stay in front of quicker guards or contest shots effectively. The Heat’s defense has already been facing challenges with several key players underperforming, and adding a liability like Rozier to the mix has compounded these issues.
To get the best out of their roster, the Heat need to refocus their efforts on improving team defense and ensuring better offensive flow. Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo remain the backbone of the team, but the supporting cast must be reliable, especially in high-stakes games. Benching Rozier could free up valuable minutes for younger players or other guards like Max Strus or Gabe Vincent, who bring better defensive versatility and offer more consistency on both ends of the floor.
Strus, in particular, has shown that he can contribute in meaningful ways, whether through shooting or defense, and has displayed better synergy with Miami’s core players. Shifting Rozier to a bench role would allow the Heat to bring in a more well-rounded player to fill his spot in the starting lineup. Rozier’s scoring could still be useful as a reserve, where he could focus on being a sparkplug off the bench and manage his shooting volume more efficiently without disrupting the primary offensive flow.
Additionally, Miami’s system thrives on ball movement and spacing, and Tyler Herro or even Victor Oladipo might be better suited to thrive alongside Lowry and Butler in the starting five, bringing more balance to the offense while improving the overall team defense.
Benching Rozier does not signify failure on his part, but rather a necessary adjustment to maximize team success. With the Heat fighting for playoff positioning and looking to regain their identity as one of the toughest teams in the Eastern Conference, making this change could be the turning point. The Heat’s season is far from over, but a strategic move like benching Rozier might be the key to unlocking their full potential and returning to form.
