Miami Heat: Is Tyler Herro Still A Huge Part Of How They Close Games?
Last season, the Heat ran Tyler Herro for nearly the entire fourth quarter. Herro, last season in the fourth quarter, averaged close to ten minutes a game.
During this time, he was averaging 4.4 points on 40% shooting from the field. Herro was ran with no clear answer in mind for the fourth and the different lineup pairings held the Miami Heat dead last in fourth quarter points scored, at just 25.1 points per game.
Tired legs and below average defense can lead to being a liability on the court. Tyler has proven he can hang with the starters, he just needs the correct minutes adjustment.
With Oladipo making a return, these quarters could be easier for Herro, allowing him to feel more comfortable and refreshed to handle the ball or score. There is no clear answer on who will be in the Heat’s closing five at the moment.
Idealistically, I think it has to be Duncan. If you can surround him with the tough defense that’s to be expected, you can get away with Robinson for the last couple of minutes.
You have two crafty playmakers on the court, who can both help set up Adebayo and Robinson. You paid him all that money, it’s time for him to take that next step and play both ends to help this team win.
Realistically, Herro is Miami’s guy and will continue to be until further notice. They’ve believed in the 21 year old since the moment they drafted him.
He had huge fourth quarter moments in his rookie year and still played nearly all 12 minutes this past year, despite the up and down season. Herro gives them playmaking and is another guy that can get to his spot.
If he is the answer for the missing spot, it’ll be interesting to see how they use him. Will they let him play his game, handling the ball around screens or turn him into a spot up shooter in the final minutes?
The Heat’s closing five isn’t a huge problem though, especially if you have Erik Spoelstra as your head coach. More than likely, Spoelstra already has the answer and as the season progresses, it’ll be more of a conversation than issue.
The Miami Heat made the changes necessary to win big and bring a new edge to their game and team. Now, it’s all about making the pieces fit and winning ball games.