Tyler Herro is quietly playing for far more than Heat fans realize

There is still no precise timeline for Tyler Herro's return to the floor as the Miami Heat enjoys the remaining days of the NBA's All-Star break. With no games scheduled for the Heat until Friday, February 20th, this week is always one coveted for players dealing with lingering ailments, and Herro is certainly included in that group. 

Herro sustained an injury to his ribs in mid-January against the Boston Celtics and hasn't played since. That came after he had already missed the beginning of the season, and to date, he's played in only 11 games for the Heat, which has affected Miami's season for the worse, as they have played mediocre basketball for much of the year.

So while Herro remains on ice for the time being, there is cause for hope considering that Erik Spoelstra recently revealed that Herro will be back, which, for the Heat's playoff chances, bodes well for them. That said, it is not how many points Herro puts up upon his return that should be his focus. Instead, with the expected offseason changes for the Heat, Herro must prioritize something greater.

Tyler Herro's future in Miami isn't looking good, which puts an emphasis on his health and availability now in high importance

All Herro has to do is stay on the floor; that's it. Can he help the Heat offensively? Of course, he can. Despite only playing in 11 games this season, Herro's production has been consistent and solid. He's averaging 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, second only to Norman Powell as far as points per game are concerned. 

Powell and Herro are Miami's only players averaging 20 points or more, while Bam Adebayo is averaging only 18.4 points. The Heat are better offensively with Herro in the lineup, but that's the problem: he's not in the lineup, and that reality has sparked all the trade speculation this season and the possibility that Herro is out the door this summer. 

That's where Herro's health and availability come into play, because, as it stands, he has no leverage. His play on the floor and production should give him the leverage he needs to extend his future with the Heat, as he has gotten better every year. Conversely, he's lost all leverage because he can't stay healthy. 

It's looking more and more likely that Miami will move on from Herro this summer, meaning he'll be playing elsewhere next season. But there's an argument to be made that even beyond Miami, his future is hanging in the balance, all because of his health. So, as the Heat play out the remaining games of the regular season, once he returns, this is the time when Herro needs to focus all his energy and attention on his health.

Not only for his future’s sake, but Herro must also find a way to stay on the floor for the Heat, here and now, as they fight to finish the season outside of the play-in, and with a playoff spot. He may not be part of Miami's future plans, but in the present, they're better with him than without.