LAS VEGAS — Fresh off being named Sixth Man of the Year, Tyler Herro has his sights firmly set on being a starter with the Heat next season.
The 22-year-old proved to be a crucial part of the Heat's offense last season, with his ability to score at all three levels helping him become the team's second-leading scorer, despite coming off the bench.
In 32.6 minutes a night, Herro averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 44.7 percent shooting from the field and 39.9 percent from the 3-point line. Off the back of that consistent production, Herro is confident he can unlock the next level of his game.
Heading into his fourth season, the bucket-getter says he's ready to compete for a spot in the starting five once training camp opens.
"Trying to be a starter in this league and then be an All-Star one day, so that's the next step," Herro said at the NBA 2K House of Greatness launch event in Las Vegas.
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While the bulk of their offense came from the staggered minutes of Herro and Jimmy Butler, he is confident the duo can complement each other in the same lineup.
“I think it will look great," Herro said of playing more alongside Butler. "We will see what happens in training camp.”
At the close of the 2021-22 season, Heat president Pat Riley issued the challenge to Herro to earn his spot.
"As far as being a starter, come to training camp and win it," Riley said. "If he wants to be a starter, we'll see in October. That's something that you earn. There's no doubt he has the qualities to be that."
While Herro's offensive game continues to impress, Riley believes that the next step will come with a more focused approach on the defensive end.
"The next step for him — and I think we're seeing this in the league — if you want to win a championship and you wanna be a starter, you really have to become a two-way player today," Riley added.
"You have to improve in certain areas of your game. I saw improvement in his defense this year, he's got great, quick feet. He has to get stronger again, [add] another 10 pounds of muscle mass. He still has a lot of upside.”
In Las Vegas to work out and support the Heat's Summer League squad, Herro was on deck to help launch the new edition of NBA 2K, which features fellow Kentucky alum and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker on the cover — something we could see in Herro's future.
"I've never dreamed of being on the cover but that would be dope for real," Herro said.
"It's been amazing [working with NBA 2K]. I love basketball itself and then obviously video games, the two put together. To be a part of it is dope."
A move into the Heat's starting lineup could be just the thing to help get his 2K rating up.
"By the end of the season, hopefully like 88, 90 somewhere around there," Herro said. "I'm not too sure, I think Ronnie said it was like an 84 to start, so we'll see what happens."
