Through 13 games, the Miami Heat offense has been a top-12 unit with five 130-point performances, including in Friday’s road loss to the New York Knicks. And they’ve done it without star guard Tyler Herro, arguably their best offensive player who’s coming off a career season.
Miami was forced to tweak its offense in the offseason into a more fast-paced, free-flowing offense. Herro, who’s expected to return in 1-2 weeks after undergoing offseason foot surgery, barring any setbacks, is excited — and quite confident — he’ll fit into the team’s new offense.
“Nothing,” Herro confidently said when asked what adjustments he’ll need to make with Miami’s new offense. “I think I’m going to be myself and play how I played last season, and the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that.
“I know how to play fast. I’ve played fast my entire life until I came to Miami. I’ve adjusted to play with other players, and I know how to play in this offense. And that’s the beauty of me — I can play in any offense. That’s what I can do.”
Why there will be an adjustment period, even though Herro will help:
Last season, the 25-year-old had a career season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game shooting 47.2 percent from the floor, 37.5 percent from 3-point range and 87.8 percent from the free-throw line. He entered the season expected to play more off-ball, but shouldered a creation burden that he never experienced in any of his previous five seasons.
However, as we highlighted here, Herro operated a lot in ball-screens, and the Heat have completely eliminated that in this new offense. It’s allowed them to exploit crossmatches easier while providing more space to get downhill — quicker.
Herro’s improved his straight line-drive ability over his career, largely due to getting stronger with improved ball handling. But there will be an adjustment period, especially with Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. leading the charge.
Where issues may stem is defensively; it’s hard to play fast with poor point-of-attack defense. Herro’s a bad point-of-attack defender who teams aren’t afraid to put into actions. If the Heat can’t get generate turnovers or get stops, it could compromise their ability to play fast.
How do you think Herro fits into the Heat’s new offense?! Let us know in the comments!
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Could Miami Heat have reunion with their greatest shooter ever?
- Miami Heat to host draft party on June 23
- Bucks are reportedly acting as if they will have Heat’s pick in draft
- Heat still “most likely” destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo despite conflicting rumors
- East contender arises as potential suitor for Tyler Herro
- Insider claims Giannis Antetokounmpo is ‘focused’ on joining Heat
- Why Heat should target this 2026 NBA Champion in free agency
Herro can add a lot to the offense or not. Plus, it is yet to be determined what his impact on the defense will be. If, for whatever reason(s) he doesn’t fit, Miami will need to explore trade options before the deadline. The good thing is he still has another year (2026-2027) on a relatively cheap contract.
There will need to be some adjustments. If he comes back soon we will get to try this line up out and assess what needs to be done before mid December, when the possibility of a trade will exist without penalty.