The second half of an NBA season is typically a land of opportunity. By this time, teams firmly at the bottom of the standings have decided to take a longer look at their younger players and will either trade their veterans or sit them out for the rest of the season. Teams in the thick of the postseason race will firm up their rotations while scouring the market for potential additions. 

For the players, this is the moment for them to make their presence felt regardless of where their team stands. Someone on the fringe may get more playing time and will make it count because this season could be their last. Stars could be pacing themselves or getting their second wind, either of which will be done in the hopes of an extended playoff run. 

And then there’s Tyler Herro. 

In a day and age where the All-Star festivities typically equate to rest, Herro had a full weekend. Aside from being a first-time All-Star, the 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year fended off a veteran cast of contestants to win his first NBA Three-Point Contest. All of it was well-deserved given how Herro has slowly grown in the last six seasons. 

From being a rookie whose game blossomed in the Orlando bubble to a dangerous weapon off the bench for the Miami Heat, Herro has repaid the faith the Heat had on him when they selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Currently, he’s averaging career-highs in points, field goal percentage, rebounds, and assists, and given how things are going in Miami, it won’t be surprising if 2024-2025 will be Herro’s best season yet. 

The Jimmy Butler saga drew much of the attention of the NBA and its fans, but those who stepped up in Butler’s absence deserve their time in the sun. Herro is at the forefront of that as he had not only earned more touches, but became the focal point of a Heat squad trying to climb out of the Play-In Tournament. His numbers right now speak to his growth, but his maturity this season was also evident in how he handled himself during tense moments. 

With Butler now having moved to the Golden State Warriors, the 25-year old is now the main man in Miami. That is, if he can stay on the court. Herro has never played more than 67 games in a regular season and the Heat will now need him more than ever given that he is arguably now their best playmaker.

In reality, this season feels different for Tyler Herro. Miami have not had the easiest season, finding themselves firmly in the 10th seed and the final play-in spot, but Herro’s averages of 22.8 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds since the All-Star break have been positive signs.