The Miami Heat are subtly in a transitional period. The franchise’s star over the last six seasons, multiple-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, is now 35 years old, and is allegedly preferring to be dealt elsewhere on or before the February 6th trade deadline.

True or not, the team is in need of a new number one because of Butler’s age and injury history. While Bam Adebayo is a two-way talent in his prime–and likewise an All-Star–what Miami particularly needs is a wing-type of weapon that can get points anywhere on the court. That’s where Tyler Herro has the floor, and for now, he’s doing a good job proving himself worthy, so much so that he has a decent shot at getting his first All-Star nod.

In 30 games this season, the sweet-shooting guard is averaging 24 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, per game, alongside a 41% clip from beyond the arc and 47.6% overall. Every single one of those numbers are career-bests as he is slowly but surely becoming the top option in South Beach, or at the very least sharing it evenly with Butler and his alpha presence.

Talent-wise, Herro leaves few doubts about his abilities. He’s one of the best shooters in the league, gives defenders a workout with his off-ball movement, and also boasts on-ball attributes that allow him to make his man dance. With a likely fourth consecutive 20-plus PPG campaign, he’s also established himself as a reliable scorer, one that puts him with the conference’s best. 

Then, there’s the clutch factor. Recently, with Butler sidelined, he led the Heat into a thrilling 89-88 victory against crosstown rival Orlando Magic, calmly sinking a go-ahead jumper with only 0.5 ticks left:

Herro followed that up with 28 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists against the Atlanta Hawks. Not content, he then led the Heat to a narrow 104-100 win against the Houston Rockets and put up 27 points, six rebounds and nine assists.

Of course, there are a couple of challenges for Herro, primarily the competition in the guard spot. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylen Brown (and possibly Derrick White) of the Boston Celtics, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons are in that list – some of which are in the starter caliber. Either Herro is behind in stats and/or popularity, or the Heat are trailing in the player’s team in the standings, which is another part of the said obstacles.

Miami currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference’s tight middle seeds with a 15-13 record, and is looking like a potential subpar postseason team, as evident in blowing huge leads and lacking more Ws. Being the top scorer of such a squad won’t exactly attract fan votes or coaches during the reserve selection.

In any case, Herro is positioned to be a main man in Miami, and he’ll have plenty of opportunities to sell himself for the February showcase. He’s also under the tutelage of Erik Spoelstra and his solid staff, and they are known to get the best out of anyone.