Miami Heat: Why Tyler Herro is the most important puzzle piece

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo during Media Day at FTX Arena on September 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo during Media Day at FTX Arena on September 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat dribbles against the LA Clippers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Miami Heat have been a consistent playoff team for the better part of the last decade. This summer, Pat Riley made the necessary moves to hopefully elevate them to the next level.

The additions of Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker highlight a fantastic offseason. However, the one thing that could determine Miami’s success this season will have to come internally.

Tyler Herro struggled in the playoffs last season, causing many to turn on him this offseason. However, his development might be the key to the Miami Heat reaching their full potential.

If Herro can take his game to the next level this season, the Miami Heat will be the best version of themselves. Why is Herro the most important puzzle piece this year?

Tyler Herro is the most important puzzle piece for the Miami Heat: A cheap deal for elite production

At his best, Herro projects to be an elite bucket-getter in the NBA. This is the role the Miami Heat will need him to play this season.

Though Miami has three All-Star level players on the roster, none of them are score-first players. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry have been pass-first players, and Bam Adebayo’s main role is on the defensive end.

This means that the Heat could use a guy to get buckets in bunches, and Herro might have to be that guy. The best part about it? Herro doesn’t make a ton of money.

With Miami’s top players making a ton of money, it is crucial that the Heat get production from players who don’t. Since Herro makes less than $10 million right now, he falls under that very important category.