Tyler Herro's journey with the Miami Heat has been a rollercoaster of achievements and setbacks. After clinching the Sixth Man of the Year award in the 2021-22 season, Herro expressed his desire to step into a starting role.
By the 2022-23 season, he had earned that spot, starting all 67 games he played before an unfortunate hand injury cut his postseason short. The following year saw more challenges, with Herro sidelined for 40 games due to injuries.
Yet, he bounced back impressively, averaging 23.9 points and earning his first All-Star nod.
This season, however, has been another test of resilience for Herro. Plagued by ankle, toe, and rib injuries, he's been limited to just 13 games. Recently returning from a 15-game hiatus, head coach Erik Spoelstra has been cautious, gradually reintegrating Herro into the lineup during two decisive wins for the Heat.
Herro's recent role adjustment, coming off the bench, might just be the strategic move Miami needs. In his last two outings, Herro showcased his offensive prowess, scoring 24 points against Atlanta and following up with a solid performance against Memphis, tallying 14 points and six assists. His comfort in a bench role harkens back to his award-winning days as the league's top bench player.
Pairing Herro with Norman Powell creates an intriguing dynamic. Both are potent offensive threats, yet their defensive limitations suggest a need for strategic rotation.
Despite a promising plus-5.6 NET rating in limited minutes together, staggering their playtime alongside teammates like Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis could optimize team balance. This approach allows Miami to maintain a strong bench presence, leveraging Herro's scoring ability without compromising defensive integrity.
In essence, bringing a 20-point-per-game talent like Herro off the bench could be a game-changer for Miami, enhancing both depth and flexibility. As Herro ramps up to 25-30 minutes per game, the Heat might find this strategy to be the key to maximizing their roster's potential.