With Tyler Herro on the doorstep of making his return from injury, Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra has to figure out how they're going to use him when he's officially cleared for a return. It's a decision that may not be as simple as it appears.
Herro was in uniform but didn't play in the Heat's big win over the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday night, but that was by design. Whether it makes sense or not, Spo said it was part of the process of integrating Herro back into the lineup for the Heat.
Whatever that line of thinking is, it does suggest that Herro is close to making his return to the Heat. The question is, when Herro does make that final jump in his rehab process, will that include immediately being jolted into the starting lineup or coming off the bench?
This is a decision that could make or break the team's momentum that's been built over the last couple of weeks.
Tyler Herro should be the Heat's sixth man
It's still unclear if Herro will be ready to go for the Heat's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night, but there's no question they could use his offensive firepower. However, if he does make his return that night, I'd argue that his value would be no greater for Miami than in a bench role.
Back in December, the Heat had trouble acclimating Herro back into the rotation. They were just 3-3 in games with Herro in the starting lineup. I'm not sure if that says more about Herro or the situational lineups he found himself in, but slowly integrating Herro back seems like the best bet now.
And bringing Herro off the bench could unlock another level for this emerging Heat team.
Before you label such a move as disrespectful, it's one that a few other teams in the league have done as they've slowly brought back their star players from injury. The San Antonio Spurs did it with Victor Wembanyama, and the New Orleans Pelicans did it with Zion Williamson.
The Heat should now do that with Herro.
It's a role that Herro has thrived in the past, and one that does also make sense for this roster and rotation.
And this doesn't mean Herro would be relegated to this role full-time, but just as he gets his feet back under him.
Herro has missed essentially the entire first half of this season, and it would be a tough ask for him to fit right in at full speed at this point.
Bringing Herro off the bench makes the most sense. Of course, the question is, will Spo agree with that plan of action? Ultimately, he has the final say in what role Herro gets when he returns.
The clock is ticking, and Spo has a huge decision to make. At this point, it's almost impossible to predict which way he'll go. Make no mistake, everyone will be watching.