The futures of several current Miami Heat players could be up in the air once the NBA offseason begins due to two factors: The Heat's almost certain and inevitable exit from the play-in or first-round playoff loss, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, maybe.
If the Heat do indeed make another run at the Milwaukee Bucks superstar this summer, it will mean sacrificing some of the Heat's young players or fully established players several years into their careers, such as Tyler Herro.
Herro was already presented as a trade chip for Antetokounmpo once before, and he could be again. In any case, Herro's status with the Heat, not to mention his future, has never been more in question than it is today, and his most recent comments about this season, his play, and his journey sound like someone who needs a change of scenery.
Tyler Herro calls this season with the Miami Heat 'awkward' thanks to injuries playing a role
First, let's give Herro credit where he deserves: when he's healthy and on the floor, he's one of Miami's best scoring threats, top shooters, and movers of the basketball. When he's hot from the floor, he can knock down mid-range and long-range shots from any spot in the offensive zone.
Despite missing much of the regualr season, having played in just 32 games, and having two left in Miami's season, Herro has averaged 21.0 points per game, shooting 48.4% from the field, including 38.4% from the three-point line. His production has been one of Miami's best when he's played.
On any other team, Herro is a starter, just as he is with the Heat, and that won't change if he finds himself playing elsewhere next season. Aside from the injuries over his seven-year career, this season especially, Herro shows up and produces a lot more than not.
Multiple injuries and missed time have simply derailed his season, though, and it's definitely hurt the Heat, who have struggled to play consistently since shortly after the season began. It's because of his injuries, and even though he didn't say it, his name being talked about in trade rumors, that Herro gave a somber reflection on his season earlier this week when the Heat struggled to win games, placing them firmly in a play-in spot.
“It’s been a long, weird, awkward season,” Herro said. “Different injuries, in and out. I started the season out, obviously, for kind of like an indefinite time, not really knowing when I was coming back. So it’s just like taking it one step at a time, one day at a time, and one game at a time.”
The tough part of Herro's journey this season was when he would return to the lineup, something else in his body would pop up, and knock him right back out. Something like that has to mess with a player's confidence, and yet, it didn't affect Herro's actual play on the floor.
Still, Herro's comments sound exhausting, as did his remarks regarding the Heat being back in the play-in.
“We’ve got to get in the playoffs and win a playoff series," Herro said. "Getting into the playoffs is obviously our goal. But I feel like I’ve done enough in the play-in. I need to get out of the play-in."
Those words carry the sound of someone sick and tired of being on a team not good enough to win. Unfortunately, that's exactly who the Heat have been this season, and it casts some serious doubt over their chances once the regualr season ends.
As for Herro, while his future in Miami is uncertain, the Heat have to make changes this offseason, and Herro could be front and center. If that's the case, it may not be the worst thing for him.