Tyler Herro has been a standout performer for the Miami Heat this season. The former Sixth Man of the Year has developed into one of the Eastern Conference’s most dependable scorers while also making notable strides as a playmaker.
Following Miami’s dominant 118-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Herro’s progress throughout the season.
“He’s showing great patience without the ball,” Spoelstra remarked. “Everything is slowing down for him. The more aggressive the defense is, the better he moves off the ball. He’s playing less as the primary ball handler and more as a catch-and-shoot threat, making plays off defensive overreactions. His skill level is so high that when he’s moving like that, he’s difficult to contain. Plus, he’s using less energy in the process, which makes him even more effective. His teammates are becoming more comfortable finding him in motion.”
At just 25 years old, Herro remains a crucial part of Miami’s long-term plans. If the franchise chooses to retool, he and Bam Adebayo are likely the two core pieces the team will build around.
In 71 games this season, Herro has averaged 23.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 46.9% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.
Heat Struggled After Jimmy Butler’s Departure
Miami’s season took a turn for the worse when Jimmy Butler requested a trade. As the team’s best player, Butler had carried a heavy burden, but Miami’s front office, led by Pat Riley, never successfully paired him with another All-Star. Eventually, Butler decided to move on.
Now with the Golden State Warriors, Butler recently returned to Miami, where the Heat suffered a 112-86 loss. While some fans warmly welcomed him back, ESPN’s Bobby Marks was critical of their response.
“I was embarrassed watching that,” Marks said on March 26. “They gave a standing ovation to someone who quit on them… He left because Miami wouldn’t pay him what he wanted. That bothered me. He walked away mid-season and went to Golden State to get his money.”
While a portion of the fanbase expressed their frustration by booing, it seems that most have come to terms with Butler’s departure.
Miami’s Point Guard Search: Kasparas Jakucionis a Possible Draft Target
The Heat are in need of a reliable point guard. Terry Rozier hasn’t performed at the expected level and could be moved in the offseason. In a recent mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman suggested that Miami might target Kasparas Jakucionis as their potential floor general of the future.
“There is both optimism and debate over how much Jakucionis’ size, court vision, shot-making ability, and passing IQ can compensate for his lack of athleticism,” Wasserman wrote. “…Recent trends suggest that skill and basketball IQ can often outweigh physical limitations, especially for a talented shooter. Despite a recent shooting slump, scouts have years of positive footage from Jakucionis’ time with Barcelona and Lithuania.”
Although the Heat remain focused on competing in the play-in tournament, a deep playoff run appears unlikely. Keeping an eye on the draft could be a smart move. Jakucionis has the potential to fill a key role for Miami, but selecting him would indicate that Pat Riley is willing to embrace a gradual rebuild. Given the current state of the roster, restoring Miami’s status as a title contender will likely take more than just one offseason.
