Miami Holds Team Meeting After Rozier Arrest; Guard Remains on Payroll
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The Miami Heat gathered for a team meeting on Thursday to discuss the arrest of guard Terry Rozier, head coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters on Friday, Oct. 24. Spoelstra said players have learned to separate off-court issues from on-court tasks, but Rozier’s absence was felt during Friday’s shootaround.
“You support him, through and through. That’s our brother at the end of the day,” center Bam Adebayo said. “It felt kind of weird not having him here because he’s usually the first person I talk to in the morning, and he brings great energy to our team.”
Rozier faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering after allegedly removing himself from a March 2023 game while with the Charlotte Hornets so several under prop bets would cash. The NBA has placed the 31-year-old on administrative leave, but Spoelstra and teammates offered uniform support.
“Terry is somebody who is very dear to all of us,” Spoelstra said. “He’s had a real positive impact on our locker room, staff and players alike.”
Salary and cap impact
Because Rozier is on leave—not suspended and with no contract voided—he remains on the 15-man roster and continues to earn his full $26.6 million salary, according to The Miami Herald. The Heat would receive immediate cap relief only if the league were to void the contract, removing it from team payroll.
Herald columnist Barry Jackson noted on social media that the NBA examined unusual betting patterns tied to that March 2023 game and found no wrongdoing at the time; Miami was reportedly not informed of the probe before acquiring Rozier in January 2024. Jackson added that while a lawsuit is unlikely, the organization may explore some form of restitution.
On-court developments
Miami fell to Orlando in its season opener Wednesday, but Spoelstra said the offense appeared “faster and more efficient” than last year’s unit. “I see a blueprint for us,” he explained, adding that familiarity should boost production as the season progresses.
Fontecchio focused on defense
New forward Simone Fontecchio, in a conversation with HoopsHype, discussed adjusting from EuroLeague play and his projected role in Miami. The 29-year-old emphasized defensive growth: “I don’t like to be looked at as a casual European guy that doesn’t play defense, just to shoot. I was never like that. I’ll keep working on it so people realize it.”
Source: HoopsRumors
