Charlotte Hornets: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets react after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

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Charlotte Hornets starters ranked: 3. SG Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier has made his mark with the Hornets and he is reaping the reward with a new contract through the 2025-26 season. It’s time for him to be recognized more for his play across the country.

Rozier was the prize acquisition from the Boston Celtics in the Kemba Walker sign-and-trade, which seemed foolish at the time. The guard’s first season in Charlotte didn’t do much to change hearts and minds.

While the numbers aren’t drastically different, Rozier seemed much more comfortable in his role last season. His scoring exceeded 20 points per game for the first time in his career and he was able to slide below two turnovers per contest.

Rozier became a pest on the defensive end too. He averaged 1.3 steals per game and swiped a total of 87 steals on the season, placing him in 15th in the NBA.

Next, the guard needs to work on becoming a more elite three-point shooter. His 222 three-point makes ranked fifth in the NBA last season, but his 571 attempts ranked sixth. Shooting 38.9 percent from three is serviceable, but Rozier would bring a new element to this offense if he can push it over 40 percent as he did in 2019-20.

Rozier is now being paid like one of the Hornets’ three best players. For the next several seasons, he has to prove it – not that Rozier has ever minded having a chip on his shoulder.

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