Tyler Herro quieted the fears of Miami Heat fans by emphatically answering all questions about his potential fit in the team's new pace and space offense. In his season debut, Herro finished with an efficient 24 points as he helped lead the short-handed Heat to their fifth-straight victory.
There were some rough moments for Herro, especially in the first quarter. But after missing his first four shots of the game, he would go on to finish making 12 of his last 14 shot attempts. He also added seven rebounds and three steals on the night.
I suppose if there are any concerns after Herro's debut, it's probably the fact that he didn't log an assist, and the fact that the ball did feel sticky at times when he had possession.
But, then again, the Heat are going to need Herro when the offense slows down. And, as we saw in the team's win against the Dallas Mavericks, Herro did pay dividends with his ability to break down his defender in the halfcourt.
Tyler Herro steps up in his season debut
With the game tied with 48 seconds left in the game, Herro hit the shot to put the Heat ahead for good. Especially without Norman Powell in the lineup, the Heat needed that element of Herro's game. And it paid off in a huge moment.
You'd have to think there are going to be more occasions in which that is going to be the case, and the Heat is going to need Herro to step up. That's the true value in bringing Herro back into the lineup.
The more reps Herro gets, the more comfortable he's going to get in this offense. The assists and playmaking ability are going to come.
It was certainly great to see Herro come through for the Heat in crunch time, especially considering he struggled in that aspect of his game at times last season.
And, even if it is for one night, Heat fans could breath a sigh of relief.
Herro still has plenty to prove, but it was a good first step for him in the season opener. And if that is just the floor for what this Heat team can be when they're completely healthy, and with Herro, then they have a great floor.
Now that Herro is back, the next biggest question that must be answered is whether this Heat team will be completely healthy.