Coming into the 2024-25 campaign, Tyler Herro was destined for another leap. And he has done that and then some, leading the Miami Heat through a rocky season plagued with inconsistency and Jimmy Butler drama.
Herro has grown into the Heat’s top option offensively, leading the team in scoring production amid a breakout year for the talented combo guard. He is sporting season averages of 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 0.9 steals on 47% shooting. All good for convincing career highs.
The improvements in the 25 year old’s game stemmed from adjustments to his shot diet, where he has put a focus on limiting his game to 3-pointers and high quality rim drives.
This has led to the highest long range shooting volume of his career, and even secured the 3-point contest champion title at this year’s NBA All-Star weekend.
With playoffs around the corner, it has come time to assess the league awards. Herro has put in the work to build a legitimate case for Most Improved Player of the Year, despite the lack of attention.
Tyler Herro should be the favorite for Most Improved, says @wcgoldberg
— Locked On Heat (@LockedOnHeat) April 9, 2025
"You don't see those players more than half a decade into their career say, 'Not good enough. I'm gonna go back into the lab, and I'm going to change all of it.'" pic.twitter.com/w1n610WGBa
Tyler Herro should be on the ballot for the Most Improved Player award.
There are several candidates in the discussion for the award, although Cade Cunningham has gotten most of the recognition around the league. Some betting sites don’t even have Herro listed in the top-five, let alone the favorite for the award.
Kyle Anderson, who has only been a teammate of Herro’s for a few months, worded it perfectly in describing where Herro should stand in this matter.
Kyle Anderson thinks Tyler Herro deserves the Most Improved Player award
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 9, 2025
"Cade Cunningham? Stop giving it to No. 1 and No. 2 picks. They're doing what they're supposed to be doing."
(Via @IraHeatBeat ) pic.twitter.com/i2LzfrCOAA
Considering the circumstances that the Heat have gone through as a team this year, Herro has remained consistent and diligent in his development into a first-time All-Star. It goes even deeper than the statistics.
His maturity both and off the court has leveled up, along with an increased commitment to the defensive side of the ball.
For years Herro was always seen as a score-first player, but he has built a well rounded game to compliment his already impressive offensive numbers. The playmaking, individual defense on the perimeter and being more active in passing lanes have all gotten better— and will continue to do so as the years go by.
He's also played the most games and minutes of his career. A big deal for someone who was labeled as "fragile" by the team's president.
It’s interesting to see Herro’s elite season fly under the radar, but all of Heat Nation understands where he should really stand in Most Improved conversations.