After reaching the NBA Finals last season, the Heat had high hopes for their roster this year. That included young guard Tyler Herro, although he failed to make a major leap forward in his sophomore campaign.
As a whole, Miami finished with a 40-32 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs. It was a far cry from their Cinderella run a year prior. Herro’s final stat line — 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists — was merely solid. The flashes he showed as a rookie didn’t manifest into consistent progress in year two. He knows how important this offseason is.
After the first practice of the season for Team USA’s select group, Herro spoke with the media. He mentioned finally having some time to hone in on specific areas within his game. Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald wrote about the 21-year-old guard’s plan of attack.
“I think this summer is a huge summer for me. I’m excited,” the 21-year Miami Heat guard said via Zoom on Tuesday night after taking part in the Team USA select team’s first practice in Las Vegas. “It’s my first real offseason whre I’m able to focus on different things that I want to work on.”
Herro does make a good point. After his rookie year, he had the shortest offseason in the history of major sports. He didn’t have much time to work on his game, let alone rest and recover. Injuries plagued the Heat this season, and Herro was no different. A normal offseason, in and of itself, should help.
Additionally, being able to learn on the fly with Team USA — even with the select team — is a valuable experience. Herro will receive world-class instruction (including tutelage from his current Heat head coach, Erik Spoelstra) and guidance. He’s playing alongside some of the league’s brightest young players. That accounts for something.
Miami clearly values Herro as a core piece moving forward. He’s a talented guard capable of scoring off the dribble, but he can also create his own shot. His ability to create for others has been put to the test in spurts, and he’s answered on numerous occasions. With that said, he has a long way to go if he wants to become a star. He knows that and if his latest comments are any indication, he’s ready to put in the necessary work.
