College Career at Kentucky (2018-2019)
Herro’s path to the NBA began with a bold decision to decommit from the University of Wisconsin and join the University of Kentucky, known for producing elite basketball talent. During his one season with the Kentucky Wildcats, Herro emerged as a key player:
- Season stats: He averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
- Impact moments: His most notable performance came in the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 when he scored 19 points, including a game-winning three-pointer against Houston.
- Honors: Herro was named to the All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman Team, solidifying his status as an NBA-ready prospect.
After helping Kentucky reach the Elite Eight, he declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Miami Heat (2019–Present)
Tyler Herro was selected 13th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA Draft. Despite initial doubts about his readiness for the NBA, Herro quickly silenced critics with his performances.
Rookie Season (2019-2020)
Herro’s rookie year was a breakout season, highlighted by strong performances in both the regular season and playoffs:
- Regular season stats: He averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 27.4 minutes per game.
- Rookie highlights: He set a then-career high with 30 points against the Atlanta Hawks in October 2019.
- Injury setback: Herro missed part of the season with an ankle injury but returned in time for the playoffs.
Herro’s performances peaked during the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
- Playoff highlights: He scored 37 points in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, the most by a rookie in a conference finals since Magic Johnson in 1980.
- NBA Finals: At 20 years old, Herro became the youngest player to start in an NBA Finals game. Although the Heat lost the series to the Los Angeles Lakers, Herro’s clutch shooting and confidence on the big stage earned widespread praise.
Sophomore Slump and Adaptation (2020-2021)
After a stellar rookie season, expectations were high, but Herro struggled with consistency:
- Stats: He averaged 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
- Challenges: Fatigue from the shortened offseason and increased defensive attention affected his performance.
- Injuries: He missed several games due to neck and foot injuries, further disrupting his rhythm.
The Heat were eliminated in the first round of the 2021 playoffs by the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a disappointing season for both Herro and the team.
Sixth Man of the Year Award (2021-2022)
Determined to bounce back, Herro embraced a new role as the Heat’s sixth man, coming off the bench to provide instant scoring:
- Stats: He averaged a career-high 20.7 points, along with 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting 39.9% from beyond the arc.
- Milestones: He became the first player in Heat history to average over 20 points per game off the bench.
- Accolades: Herro’s efforts earned him the 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
The Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, but were defeated by the Boston Celtics in seven games, with Herro limited by a groin injury.
Injuries and Comeback (2022-2023)
Herro became a full-time starter heading into the 2022-2023 season, but injuries continued to hinder his development:
- Broken hand: In the first game of the 2023 playoffs, Herro fractured his hand, forcing him to miss the remainder of the Heat’s unexpected run to the NBA Finals. The team lost to the Denver Nuggets, with Herro unable to contribute on the court.
Despite the setback, Herro showed progress throughout the season:
- Stats: He averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 67 games, cementing his reputation as a dynamic scorer and playmaker.