MVP Top 10! Averaging 24.3 Points, Can Tyler Herro Make the All-Star Team?

In an unexpected turn of events, Tyler Herro has taken center stage for the Miami Heat. During a recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Herro delivered a stellar performance, despite the Heat's 97-104 loss. With Jimmy Butler exiting early after just seven minutes due to injury, Herro stepped up, logging 28 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals without committing a single turnover. This was no small feat against the Thunder’s elite perimeter defense.

Herro's rise this season is nothing short of remarkable. For the first time in his career, he has cracked the NBA’s MVP ladder, debuting at the 10th spot—a testament to his significant improvement and newfound consistency.

A Breakout Season

Herro’s growth this season has silenced critics who once dismissed him as a flashy but inconsistent scorer. Through 25 games, he has averaged 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, shooting 47.5% from the field, 40.9% from three, and 86.0% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage has soared to an impressive 62.3%, a significant leap from last season’s 55.8%.

To put it in perspective, Herro has already recorded 10 games with 25+ points this season, compared to 11 such games in all of last year, when he played 42 games. His highest-scoring performance so far was a 40-point outburst against the Detroit Pistons, where he shot 14-of-27 from the field and tied his career-high with 10 made three-pointers.

Efficiency Through the Roof

Herro’s scoring efficiency has been a game-changer. Last season, he averaged 20.8 points on 17.5 field goal attempts per game. This year, with a slight increase to 17.8 attempts per game, he’s averaging 24.3 points—a remarkable 3.5-point jump. The key difference lies in his three-point shooting, where he’s hitting 40.9% on a career-high 10.1 attempts per game, making an average of 4.1 threes.

In fact, Herro is one of only two players in the league this season averaging 4+ made three-pointers per game while shooting over 40% from deep. The other is Anthony Edwards, who has been equally impressive.

Channeling Stephen Curry

Herro has openly cited Stephen Curry as an influence on his playing style. "I feel like my body type and the way I play are similar to Steph's," Herro said in a recent interview. "I try to model my shooting mechanics and off-ball movement after him."

While reaching Curry’s level is an immense challenge, Herro’s offensive impact has undeniably grown. The numbers back it up: When Herro is on the court, the Heat average 114.5 points per 100 possessions. When he’s off the floor, that number plummets to 105.2.

Herro’s advanced metrics also reflect his improvement. His offensive box plus-minus (OBPM) has skyrocketed to +4.6 this season, ranking 16th in the league. Similarly, his player efficiency rating (PER) stands at 20.1, well above his previous career high of 16.2 and good enough to rank 35th in the NBA—a level indicative of a high-level second option.

Areas for Growth

Despite his offensive brilliance, Herro’s game isn’t without flaws. His defensive limitations remain a concern, with a defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) of -0.7. Additionally, as a scoring-focused guard, his game can occasionally lack consistency, which may hinder his ability to dominate against elite defenses on a nightly basis.

However, Herro’s progress on offense has more than compensated for these shortcomings. His impact on the Heat’s offensive output has elevated him into the All-Star conversation—a remarkable feat for a player who has never been selected before.

All-Star Aspirations

Making the All-Star team won’t be easy for Herro, especially in the competitive Eastern Conference backcourt. Players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, Trae Young, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and LaMelo Ball are all vying for limited spots.

Unlike many of these competitors, Herro lacks the benefit of a strong defensive reputation or a proven playoff resume as a team leader. Still, his offensive surge this season gives him a legitimate shot.

Recognition Beyond the All-Star Game

Even if Herro falls short of an All-Star selection this year, his MVP ladder appearance is a significant milestone. It marks the first time he has been recognized as one of the league’s top players—a clear signal that his efforts are not going unnoticed.

Herro’s ascension is also a much-needed boost for the Heat, who have faced numerous challenges this season, including injuries to key players like Butler and Bam Adebayo. In many ways, Herro has become the team’s offensive lifeline, filling the void left by his more established teammates.

As the season progresses, Herro has two months to solidify his case for All-Star recognition. Whether or not he ultimately makes the cut, his development into one of the league’s most efficient scorers is an undeniable victory—for him and for the Miami Heat.