NBA Roundup: Heat hold meeting after Rozier arrest; Suns to keep Green sidelined; Jazz stun Clippers
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MIAMI — The Miami Heat convened a team meeting Thursday, one day after guard Terry Rozier was arrested on federal charges, head coach Erik Spoelstra confirmed Friday.
Spoelstra told reporters the gathering focused on addressing the situation while maintaining attention on basketball matters. “Terry is somebody who is very dear to all of us,” the coach said. “He’s had a positive impact on our locker room and our staff. We send our thoughts and care to him as he goes through this.”
Rozier, 30, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors allege he removed himself from a Charlotte Hornets game in March 2023, triggering several under prop bets. Because the Heat placed Rozier on administrative leave instead of suspending him, he will retain his roster spot and continue drawing his full $26.6 million salary, according to The Miami Herald. The team would receive cap relief only if the NBA voids his contract, a step the league has not taken.
Center Bam Adebayo said the locker room feels Rozier’s absence. “It felt kind of weird not having him here because he’s usually the first person I talk to in the morning,” Adebayo noted. “He brings great energy to our team.”
Suns
PHOENIX — Guard Jalen Green will miss at least the first two contests of the Suns’ three-game road swing because of a right hamstring strain, head coach Jordan Ott told The Arizona Republic. Green will sit out Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers and Saturday in Denver but will travel with the club and has not been ruled out for Monday’s meeting in Utah. The fifth-year guard has yet to debut this season.
Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY — Widely projected to finish with the NBA’s lowest win total, the Utah Jazz opened their season by routing the veteran-laden Clippers and leading by as many as 37 points. Head coach Will Hardy praised his young roster’s effort. “If we’re a little short on experience, we can still be high on energy,” Hardy said.
First-round draft pick Cody Williams did not see the floor, but the Jazz relied on pace and balance to overpower Los Angeles, showcasing how youth can fuel their rebuild.
Source: Hoops Wire
