The Miami Heat have won three straight to improve to 4-4, but in their latest win over the Grizzlies, they lost Tyler Herro to a right ankle sprain. Herro will miss a few weeks with the injury – a major blow for the guard who was making a leap and his team. The All U Can Heat staff got together to break down the fallout.
Who needs to step up the most in Tyler Herro’s absence?
Max Marshall: I think collectively it should be Kyle Lowry, Josh Richardson, and Jimmy Butler. For Lowry, it’s simple: just shoot open 3s. J-Rich has struggled in his return but with Herro out, there will be minutes available. Like Lowry, make the open ones. With Herro out, this is the perfect time for Butler to start looking to score more and be more assertive.
Stephanie Meadows: I think when the Heat is down a teammate it’s not always one player who needs to step up, it should be a collective effort. But, if I had to choose I would say Duncan Robinson, who has proven to be a more well-rounded offensive player. He is not just a 3-point specialist, he’s been spacing the floor, cutting and driving to the basket, and is an underrated passer. Robinson can be a spark for Miami in Tyler’s absence along with Jimmy and Bam. Along with Robinson, I think Haywood Highsmith also can step up and show off more of his skills on offense since he already is one of the team’s best defenders. Highsmith is consistent and makes his minutes count.
António Dias: The Heat will surely miss Herro’s on-ball creation and shooting. He’s been having an amazing start to the season and no one on this team can replicate that, so his production should be a team job. Still, Josh Richardson has to give the Heat much more on the offensive end. He’s looking hesitant, lost and inefficient. Duncan and Jaime might get an uptick in minutes and more on-ball reps, while we await for Caleb’s return, but the Heat will be a much better, balanced team as soon as Richardson plays up to his value.