Erik Spoelstra says Terry Rozier is “clear” on his preparations for a comeback season

MIAMI – As fans lock theirs bold predictions for the upcoming season of the Miami Heatone piece that will be an interesting story to watch keeping watch Terry Rozier. With the Heat old Tyler Herro who is dealing with an ankle and foot injury that will cause him to miss the start of the season, Rozier could be the player who gets extra playing time as he is coming off arguably the worst season of his career.

Last season, Rozier was originally in the starting lineup before being benched and out of the rotation, which is surprising since he’s been productive in the past. While he’s looking to make a great recovery, he missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury, but now that he’s healthy, head coach Erik Spoelstra says “his mind is clear.”

“Well, he’s put in a lot of work this summer … the last two weeks he’s probably struggled because of all that time he’s put in,” Spoelstra said Friday. “All that work doesn’t go away. So he was able to step up the last couple of days, he was able to go through practice yesterday. I think his mind is clear. He gives you that punch, toughness. I think that will show as he’s healthy.”

With Terry Rozier now healthy, Erik Spoelstra was asked about the guard and his frustrations with the injury.

“All that work doesn’t go away … His mind is clear, he gives you that punch, toughness, I think that will show…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/HM6i9kDrb9

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) October 17, 2025

Rozier averaged 10.6 points per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from beyond the arc in 64 games. With Hero injured, running backs like Davion Mitchell, Drew Smith and rookie Kasparas Yakutsionis could see additional opportunity, as well as Rozier, who is looking “a fair chance”, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel.

“I’m just here to play my best basketball and try to help the younger guys. But that’s all I’m looking for is a fair opportunity, a fair chance,” Rozier said.

Heat’s Terry Rozier on wanting ‘equal opportunity’

As Rozier is ready to return with the Heatthere’s no denying the 31-year-old is also busy being part of a federal sports betting investigation. Either way, Rozier would mention that the focus is strictly on basketball, saying before Friday’s final preseason game that he’s feeling good after a hamstring injury.

“I feel good,” Rozier said. “Obviously, it’s a long season. We have one more preseason game, so I definitely want to get out there, be with my teammates, get them reps. But I feel good. It’s been a good rehab.”

The first step in recovering from a humiliating season like last year is acknowledging it as such, using the word “rough” to describe it, while standing up for “equal opportunity.”

“Last season was tough, definitely for me,” Rozier said. “So I’ve had a lot of the whole summer just to think about what I want to do and what I want to bring to this team. I’m ready. Like I said, I just hope I get an equal opportunity, the same as everybody else. But if not, I’ll still be here in the voice and be that vet.”

Either way, it remains to be seen how Rosey’s role looks to improve for Miami after finishing 37-45, which put them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. After Friday’s final preseason game against the Grizzlies, the Heat open the regular season on Oct. 22 against the Orlando Magic.