Rozier Has Text Messages. He Still Has Four Criminal Counts.

Terry Rozier revealed text messages last week that he believes will clear him in the federal gambling investigation — four criminal counts that have been hanging over him, and by extension Charlotte, since the case surfaced. Whether the texts move the needle legally is something a courtroom will decide, not a press release. The case is still open.

The timing matters for the Hornets specifically because of what the backcourt looks like right now. Ball is in Minnesota. Coby White was re-signed to anchor the guard rotation. Knueppel is the other reliable piece. Rozier was never going to be a starter in this new construction, but backcourt depth on a team that went 6-11 in close games last season is not a luxury item. If his availability for training camp remains unclear, Charlotte enters camp thinner than the roster on paper suggests.

I noted in my piece earlier this week that the uncertainty around Rozier hasn't changed much despite the new development. That's still the read. A text message is not a resolution, and until there is one, the Hornets can't plan around him with any confidence. They have Miller's health to worry about, a center situation that hasn't improved, and a new wing rotation that hasn't played a minute together. Rozier is one more open question on a roster that already has several.