3 Heat players who need to step up over the final stretch

Tyler Herro

Tyler Herro had a solid overall first half and has improved offensively and defensively. But if this current Miami Heat team does not make another long playoff run, the trade rumors will again start to swirl.

If Herro wants to shut his haters up, he must have an excellent second half of the season and playoff run.

Many critics said that Miami went on its Finals run last year because Herro broke his hand during the team's first playoff game, suggesting that the Heat are better without him.

This has to be the season that Herro puts everything together or he will be the scapegoat for any shortcomings. Having said that, if Herro continues to shoot and pass the ball well, not over-dribble and play off guys like Butler and Adebayo, he will be fine.

Defensively, Herro will never be a lockdown defender, but this year, he has improved to an average defender. And if he can hold his own defensively in the playoffs, Miami will not take him out of the game. This second half of the season will be huge for Herro’s future with the Miami Heat.