Tyler Herro is finally back. At least, that's what the most recent update seems to indicate. Herro is slated to return to practice on Thursday and will likely make his return to the Miami Heat lineup in the next few games, according to Anthony Chiang.
It's an encouraging update that the Heat have been waiting to hear for far too long. But even though the Heat would've liked to get this news weeks ago, the return of Herro now will certainly give this team a real shot to hit the ground running heading into the final push for the playoffs.
While many fans may disagree with the approach, the Heat are pushing for a playoff spot. For better or worse, this team is looking to win. Considering they're just two games out of the sixth seed, and three games out of fifth, there's a chance the Heat could make a beeline up the standings if Herro's return sparks the team.
But that's far from a foregone conclusion, considering how disjointed the team looked - and felt - at times earlier this season at full health with Herro in the lineup.
Can Erik Spoelstra find the right role for Tyler Herro?
In the 11 games that Herro did play in this season, Miami was just 4-7. That's not all on Herro, but it does indicate Miami was struggling to make everyone fit. That absolutely needs to change, and the Heat will need to find the right way to not only bring Herro along slowly but also to help him find his rhythm.
For all the complaints about Herro, there may not be a bigger issue right now than the fact that he just hasn't been healthy this year. It's not even about his play on the floor. Because when he's been healthy, he's been largely productive.
Sure, there are times when he struggles on the defensive end of the floor, but he's the type of player whose offensive prowess should be a welcome sight for the Heat. Especially considering how much they've struggled to gain any level of consistency on that end of the floor.
Despite having the No. 1 PACE of play this year, the Heat still has a below-average offensive rating. That suggests the team lacks the necessary efficiency on that end of the floor. While Herro won't single-handedly solve that, he is talented enough that he can help on that front.
But that's where Erik Spoelstra will have his hands full.
Because it may not be as simple as re-inserting Herro back into the starting lineup. If Spo wants to see this Heat team take off over the final stretch of the season, he needs to settle into a nice rotation, where it can find its true effectiveness.
And that's something he struggled with earlier this year when Herro was healthy.
Step one, of course, is getting Herro back. It appears that's on the verge of happening. Now, Spo needs to get to work.