Tyler Herro: From Sixth Man to Star – Can He Make the All-Star Leap?

The Miami Heat are quietly climbing the standings, thanks in large part to Tyler Herro’s breakout season. Following a 122-113 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami has notched its first three-game winning streak of the season, improving to 12-10. Once struggling in the Eastern Conference’s 10th spot, they now sit fifth, and much of their resurgence is fueled by Herro’s stellar play.

In that victory against Cleveland, Herro delivered a masterclass. Playing 36 minutes, he shot 10-of-19 from the field, 5-of-9 from three-point range, and made all nine of his free throws. His stat line of 34 points, six rebounds, and seven assists was the highlight of the night. Herro’s second and third quarters were particularly impactful: he scored 11 points in the second, helping Miami flip a four-point deficit into an eight-point halftime lead. In the third, he exploded for 19 points, outscoring Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, who managed just 12 points for the game.

Tyler Herro’s Leap: The Numbers

Herro’s progress this season has been undeniable. In 22 games—all starts—he’s averaging career highs in points (24.2), rebounds (5.4), and assists (5.0) while playing 34.8 minutes per game. These numbers not only lead his team but also place him 19th in the league in scoring. For comparison, last season Herro averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 33.5 minutes.

The leap is particularly noticeable in Herro’s scoring efficiency. With the same average shot attempts per game as last season (17.5), he’s added 3.4 points to his scoring output. His shooting splits—47.7% from the field, 42.2% from three, and 87.2% from the free-throw line—have elevated his true shooting percentage to an elite 63.2%. This marks a massive improvement from his previous career-best of 56.6%.

Herro’s transformation can be traced to his three-point shooting. He’s taking more threes than ever, averaging 9.9 attempts per game (up from 7.9 last season), and hitting them at a career-best 42.2% clip. His 4.2 made threes per game rank third in the NBA, behind only Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

This newfound efficiency has also translated to high-scoring games. In just 22 appearances this season, Herro has recorded five games with 30 or more points, surpassing the four such games he managed in 42 appearances last season. Recent highlights include a 40-point outing against the Detroit Pistons and back-to-back 31-point games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors.

Herro’s Impact on the Heat

Beyond the raw numbers, Herro’s contributions have been instrumental to Miami’s success. Advanced metrics highlight his value: his offensive box plus-minus (OBPM) of +4.6 ranks second on the team, just behind Jimmy Butler’s +4.7, and both players are among the league’s top 20 in this statistic. Bam Adebayo, Miami’s defensive anchor, trails significantly at +0.3.

Herro’s rise has added a new dimension to Miami’s offense, which historically relied heavily on Butler and Adebayo. While Butler remains the team’s leader, Herro’s emergence as a dynamic scorer and playmaker has allowed the Heat to maintain competitiveness despite roster limitations and early-season struggles.

The Case for the All-Star Game

Herro’s impressive start to the season has thrust him into the All-Star conversation. Averaging over 24 points with efficient shooting and meaningful contributions in other facets of the game, he has a legitimate case for an All-Star nod. However, the road to an All-Star selection is never easy, especially in the guard-heavy Eastern Conference.

Herro faces stiff competition. The Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are near locks if Cleveland maintains its strong record. Jaylen Brown of the Celtics, Jalen Brunson of the Knicks, Trae Young of the Hawks, Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers, LaMelo Ball of the Hornets, and Damian Lillard of the Bucks are all vying for limited spots, each bringing star power and strong statistical resumes.

While Herro’s numbers hold up against many of these players, All-Star selections often favor players from winning teams. Miami’s ability to climb further in the standings could significantly bolster Herro’s case. The Heat’s recent surge to fifth in the East is a promising sign, but sustaining this momentum will be crucial.

A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

For Herro, this season represents a critical turning point. Since being drafted 13th overall in 2019, his career has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency and questions about his ceiling.

• In 2022, Herro won Sixth Man of the Year with a 20.7-point average in the regular season but struggled in the playoffs, averaging just 12.6 points.
• In 2023, he maintained solid production during the regular season but missed most of Miami’s surprising Finals run due to injury.
• In 2024, Herro’s season was cut short again, and his rushed return for the playoffs coincided with Miami’s first-round exit.

Now, at age 24, Herro is showing signs of a true transformation. He’s proving that he’s more than a high-volume scorer, becoming an efficient and versatile offensive weapon who can create for himself and others. With guidance from head coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat’s development-focused culture, Herro appears poised to reach new heights.

What’s Next for Herro and the Heat

While the All-Star Game remains uncertain, Herro’s progress is undeniable. His ability to step into a more prominent role and excel is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability. Regardless of whether he earns an All-Star nod this season, Herro’s breakout year is a positive sign for Miami’s future.

The Heat have long sought to strike a balance between developing talent and competing for championships. With Herro’s emergence as a star-caliber player, they may have found the missing piece to complement Butler and Adebayo in their pursuit of another deep playoff run.