Miami Heat media day is in the books and we got more news out of this one than most. The All U Can Heat staff got together to discuss some of the more surprising revelations and what it means for the upcoming season.
Q: Whose media day session did you find the most surprising and why?
Max Marshall: Tyler Herro’s. When he said that he doesn’t care whether he starts or comes off the bench and just wants to win a championship was surprising to hear. Over the past couple of years, Herro has made it known that he sees himself as a future All-Star and a starter. The fact that he’s now open to sacrificing that status and coming off the bench is a boon for Heat fans.
Alex Villasis: I have to agree with Max on this one. Before, we’ve seen Tyler Herro making comments about wanting to start, average a certain amount of points per game and be in the conversation with the young superstars in the league such as Luka Doncic. To me, there’s no issue with putting your personal goals out there, but this press conference was a complete reversal from his past comments. Saying he is ready to play off the ball more and accept any role shows a lot of growth.
Daniel Riccio: As much as Herro’s media day approach both surprised and impressed me, I’m going with Jimmy Butler. His “no shenanigans” approach was the best case scenario for Heat fans. After a summer where the Heat essentially denied an extension request, he showed up professional, locked in and ready to prove himself. It was refreshing to hear him agree with Pat Riley’s statements and make it a goal to play more regular season games. After his legendary dreadlocks and emo look from the last two years, he stuck to his regular style. Seeing your leader keep it all business is motivating for the Heat, and set the tone for a much needed redemption season.
Stephanie Meadows: Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler. Herro came into this media day with a newfound perspective and matureness. His 180 attitude about coming into this new season and what he is focused on was a pleasant surprise. It was nice to hear Tyler be focused on the health of his body, maintaining it, and not worrying so much about the accolades and what his role will be. He is ready for this season and I am excited to see him fully embrace it and just play basketball and hopefully get us closer to winning a championship.
Jimmy Butler was not present last season and I know it has been said a million times, but it was frustrating. I was happy Pat Riley called him out in his season-ending presser, as I think Butler despite not paying any mind to what people think needed to still hear it. Despite being late to media day and wanting to be a character, it was the best idea for him to show up to media day very much and be focused on what matters most, being available and ready to have a bounce-back season. All of what Butler said was very motivating and a breath of fresh air. I always say actions speak louder than words, and I am excited for Jimmy to be back to being the leader that he is.
Brennan Sims: Tyler Herro's willingness to play off the ball caught my attention on media day. He's always been one of the best deep-range shooters. Hopefully, he has the volume to confirm that idea this year. It was interesting to hear Boy Wonder speak about adding muscle this offseason. He's been an average finisher at the rim for his career; adding muscle to his frame could aid him in getting through defenders on drives.
Q: Do you buy Tyler Herro’s comments about being willing to come off the bench if that is what Erik Spoelstra decides?
Marshall: Yes, but I think Tyler Herro got told he was going to be a starter, but needs to be opening of the idea of coming off the bench if need be.
Villasis: I do. Now that Herro has had some years under his belt, I think he’s matured enough to realize that he needs to be willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. And if they have success with him coming off the bench, I don’t see why Herro would have an issue. I would also bet that Herro will be closing a fair amount of games as well.
Riccio: Yes, I believe Herro’s comments were as real as it gets. It was a sign that he is maturing and it’s encouraging to see one of your team’s best players completely buy into a winning mentality. Herro’s talent and impact are a big piece to this Heat core, so having him on board and willing to do whatever it takes to win is crucial. I do think coach Spo wants to see more of the Herro/Rozier/Butler/Adebayo group play together, but it’s good to know that Herro is bringing more options to the table that could help the team.
Meadows: I do now, last season no. Herro has matured tenfold and I hope he continues to do so. It’s time he embraces whatever role he is given and helps this team win.
Sims: Herro wants to win a championship. If he does that, the naysayers' volume will be drowned in jewelry. To achieve this goal, Herro has to be in step with Erik Spoelstra and the front office. If Spo deems that Herro must return to the sixth man life, then so be it. I'm buying he'll lock in with any role Spo gives him.
Q: Were you disappointed in Jimmy Butler’s decision to come to media day with “normal hair, no shenanigans?” If so, what should he have done instead?
Marshall: No, I was happy that Jimmy Butler didn’t have any shenanigans at this year’s media day. Not that I actually care what Jimmy looks like on media day but for the way to Miami’s season ended this past year and for him to come out and seem to be all business is something that myself and other Heat fans wanted to see. No nonsense. Just hoops talk.
Villasis: To be honest, it did not matter to me if Jimmy Butler had a crazy look or not. I do like that he handled his business in a serious manner. After an injury-plagued season and some harsh comments from Pat Riley to close the season, I like the tone he presented and Miami should follow along. Coasting in the regular season and hoping to make the playoffs at the end won’t cut it.
Riccio: I was definitely pleased to see a locked in Jimmy, but it was a bit disappointing not to see what other media day creativity he had up his sleeve. With some sites even putting bets on the hairstyle, I was looking forward to him surprising everybody with a hairstyle that wasn’t even a betting option. However, I’ll always take a serious “stand on business” Jimmy any day of the week.
Meadows: Jimmy is a character, so I love always seeing what he is up to and he knows how to make a statement and it’s great. But, after last season, the best thing for him to do despite him claiming he didn’t have the time to figure out a look was to come to media day himself and all business. I liked the way he presented himself and I hope he will be the present leader we need this season. I have a feeling that he and Spoelstra will work together this season to be more on the same page.
Sims: I didn't care what type of aesthetic Jimmy Butler showed up to media day with. Media day is when every team has championship aspirations, and the vibes are immaculate. I am okay with you having some fun on media day if you're ready for training camp. Jimmy didn't engage in the shenanigans this media day, and that's fine, too. Whatever he has to do to reach that 2023 playoff form, I'm all for it.
Q: What comment or revelation got you most excited for the Heat’s season?
Marshall : When Erik Spoelsta told a reporter, “You sound scared.”
Villasis: Bam Adebayo’s comments regarding taking more threes this season and Erik Spoelstra having more trust in his shot. Adding a consistent three-ball pushes Adebayo that much closer to superstar status.
Riccio: I’d say that Spoelstra’s “you sound scared” comment got me the most fired up. I could tell that Spo is so amped to get going and start this Heat revenge tour. His confidence as the head coach helps inject that mindset to the entire roster and provides a big influence on the team’s success. Having his belief in the team’s abilities goes a long way in embracing that underdog mindset again.
Meadows: I would have to agree with others on Spoelstra’s “You sound scared” comment. That caught me off guard – in a good way though. You can tell that Spoelstra along with the entire roster did a lot of reflecting this season and it was nice to not hear the same vague and generic things but what the main focuses are for the team. This inside look into Spoelstra’s mind and the players shows they are laser-focused and it has me very excited for this season. Let’s go Heat!
Sims: The "you sound scared" bite from Spo was an instant classic. That quote even had Boston Celtics fans praising their biggest rivals on social media. One X user said, "My most respected enemy," about Spo's one-liner.
Terry Rozier saying that he and Herro can work on the floor together was intriguing, too. Per PBP stats, the duo had a -2.8 NetRtg when sharing the floor. The 188-minute sample size isn't enough to draw strong conclusions from -- this backcourt is undersized, but let's give it a real chance before we make drastic changes.