Last season, the Miami Heat picked up Tyler Herro’s team contract option, which means that he is part of the squad for the upcoming year. Herro has recently made it clear that he wants to start next season. After winning Sixth Man of the Year and being arguably the best scorer on the team, he definitely has a solid argument. However, the question remains: where does Tyler Herro go from here?
So Far
Herro averaged just above 20 points in 2021, which was a significant increase from his rookie and sophomore season. Nonetheless, he was in sort of a slump during the playoffs, which could be attributed to the minor injuries he faced. Obviously, Herro is underpaid for what he brings to the team on the offensive side of the ball. Kyle Lowry, P.J. Tucker, and Duncan Robinson each make more than him, but they were not all that effective during the 2022 playoffs.
The heart and soul of the Heat is their defense, but scoring contributions are needed to win big games. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are no doubt reliable, but their consistency has come into question. Butler played tremendously towards the end of the Celtics series, but he also had horrible games in blowout losses. Herro provides a third hand for scoring the ball, and he has somewhat improved defensively.
What is Needed?
Undoubtedly, it’s safe to assume that the Miami Heat will make the playoffs on a regular basis. When it comes to crunch time, Butler has shown his potential, and the same is necessary from Tyler Herro. His effectiveness in isolation, pick-and-roll, and smooth touch should be fully used in the playoffs. Erik Spoelstra is a brilliant coach, and he understands how the talent of Herro can take the Heat to the next level. He just needs consistent and efficient performances.
Concluding Thoughts
If Herro can make a significant impact on the floor, he can make a lot of money when he becomes a free agent in the 2023 offseason. The focus right now should be the upcoming season, and he has to put on some weight to be more of a stable player on defense. His offensive capabilities need no introduction, but they have to come into play when the Heat require them.