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 the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Tyler Herro is the most important puzzle piece for the Miami Heat: An elite supporting piece

All of the best NBA champions in recent years follow roughly the same formula. They have a core of elite players as well as a great supporting cast.

Take a look at the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks last season. They had three All-Star caliber players, but also some great players supporting that Big 3.

Milwaukee had Bobby Portis, the Lakers had Kyle Kuzma, and the Warriors had Andre Iguodala. Each team had a quality player supporting their main pieces.

Now, this is not putting Tyler Herro in the same conversation as those three players. In actuality, Herro has the chance to be an even better supporting piece than any of them.

Herro is still so young and full of potential, there’s no telling how good he could be at his peak. If he buys into his role this year, there’s no reason he can’t play at an All-Star level or close to it.

This would give the Heat one of the best sixth men in the league, as mentioned previously, and someone they can rely on in the closing minutes of games.

Many teams spend so much money on their main pieces that they don’t end up having elite depth. If Herro can develop into the player many believe he can be, the Miami Heat can change that narrative.