The 5 worst signings of 2019 NBA free agency

1. Terry Rozier

Once it was clear the Charlotte Hornets would not be bringing back Kemba Walker, fans pivoted to options for a more organic rebuild. The traditional method has most teams maneuver wisely through whatever cap space may be available with team-friendly deals and acquiring as many assets as possible. That is, unless you’re Michael Jordan.

The Hornets were quick to find Walker’s replacement in the form of Terry Rozier. Having spent the first four years of his career backing up various others on the Boston Celtics, Rozier was looking for his breakout opportunity, and Charlotte was willing to give it to him for the ridiculous price of $58 million over three years.

Rozier is not devoid of talent, just not on a level worth almost $20 million a year — no matter how much cap space is available. This is a guy who has never shot above 40 percent from the field in any single season, whose effort level comes and goes depending on his involvement within the overall flow of the offense.

We remember Rozier’s 2018 playoff run where he averaged 16.5 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game in helping Boston to the conference finals. To think that guy is still present a little over a year later isn’t crazy, but that type of investment should resemble more of a flier rather than the keys to a franchise.

Charlotte has given out some truly laughable contracts over the years. One would assume the inability to build around arguably the greatest player in franchise history would be enough to recalibrate the judgment of the front office.

In signing Rozier, the organization proved once again it has little interest in moving from the comfy middle ground it’s nestled itself into over the years. He may be a risk worth taking with nothing to lose, just not at a price that could derail a rebuild Charlotte so desperately needs to invest in right now.