In a shocking turn, it appears that Tyler Herro, the best offensive player on the Miami Heat, is not responsible for the team's recent offensive struggles. I understand if you need a minute to process this news.
Of course, it was always silly to suggest that Herro would hurt this team when he was finally healthy and in the lineup each night. The Heat's explosive offensive start to the season had some fans questioning whether Herro was necessary — but the team is now 1-5 in its past six games without Herro, that one win coming against the lowly Nets. We can officially retire the narrative that Herro hurts this team.
The Heat are a classic case of a team that loves to play fast. That can cover up some deficiencies on offense — for a little while, at least. Eventually, cracks begin to show, like we're seeing in December.
Heat desperately need a fully healthy Tyler Herro
December has been a brutal month for the Heat. There's no way around it. They're 1-6, have the No. 20 net rating in the league, and have some tough games looming on the schedule.
There are a few bright spots, namely Kel'El Ware's breakout in the past week, Kasparas Jakacionis impressing in his first career start, and the fact that no one in the East is that good, and the Heat remain just two games out of the No. 4 seed.
However, I don't think Heat fans will be too thrilled with the concept of well, everyone else sucks too. Plus, we've seen this Heat team be impressive this year. A trio of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Norman Powell is still a better group than most other teams in the East can produce. There's still reason for optimism, despite the recent slide.
Herro is obviously a vital part of anything this team accomplishes this year, and the on-court product will keep getting tougher to watch as long as he's sidelined. No matter how fast the Heat run (they continue to play at a torrid pace) they can't outrun a lack of offensive creation, and that's becoming more evident by the game. Herro provides that in spades... But he has to, ya know, play.
In the meantime, at least we can retire the idea that Herro hurts this team. Retire it and never speak of it again, hopefully.