If Tyler Herro can enhance his pace, durability, and consistency, he could fully realize the potential the Miami Heat believes he has.
For the Miami Heat to make a deeper playoff run with their current roster, they will need Tyler Herro performing at his best.
The 24-year-old guard has consistently improved his game since his rookie season. His trade value isn’t sufficient to bring back a star player, yet the organization considers him too talented to trade for anyone less than an All-Star. This has placed Pat Riley and the Heat front office in a difficult position over recent offseasons, but it appears the Heat will stick with their core—for better or worse.
Herro needs to reach even closer to his potential as a basketball player. If he can improve in specific areas, he could help the Heat avoid a third consecutive play-in tournament appearance. It’s even possible Herro could make an All-Star appearance next season. Here are the three areas where Herro needs to improve next season:
Pacing
The Miami Heat generally play at a slow pace. In fact, they were among the bottom two teams in pace during both the regular season and the playoffs. While playing slower and having more controlled offensive possessions isn’t necessarily bad—the Dallas Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals, also play at a slower pace—matchups matter.
The Boston Celtics, who eliminated the Heat in the playoffs and went on to win the 2024 NBA championship, excelled with their impressive defense and ability to switch everything. Scoring against a set Boston defense is challenging. One way to counter this is by running in transition and playing with pace.
Tyler Herro is one of the players on the Heat who can control the pace of the offense. He possesses the skill and playmaking ability to make quick decisions. The Heat have the pieces to be effective in transition—Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo are all great initiators and scorers in transition. However, the Heat often choose not to get out and run.
Faster possessions mean more possessions, which is increasingly important in the 3-point era. Herro can facilitate this change for the Heat.
Durability
To be a reliable contributor, Herro needs to improve his durability. Consistently staying healthy throughout the season is crucial for him and the team. This involves maintaining his physical condition and avoiding injuries that have sidelined him in the past.
Consistency
Consistency is key for Herro. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, maintaining a high level of performance throughout the season will be essential. This means delivering in crucial moments, reducing turnovers, and improving his shooting efficiency.
If Tyler Herro can make strides in pacing, durability, and consistency, he will not only elevate his game but also significantly boost the Miami Heat’s chances of making a deeper playoff run. The organization believes in his potential, and now it’s up to Herro to deliver.
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