As a longtime NBA fan, I‘ve loved watching the emergence of Tyler Herro as one of the league‘s brightest young talents. Here‘s an in-depth introduction to the Miami Heat‘s rising superstar.
| Full Name | Tyler Christopher Herro |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Birthday | January 20, 2000 |
| Born | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| High School | Whitnall (Greenfield, WI) |
| College | University of Kentucky (2018-2019) |
| NBA Draft | 2019 1st Round, 13th Overall by Miami Heat |
| NBA Debut | October 23, 2019 |
| Career PPG | 16.7 |
| Career APG | 3.2 |
| Career RPG | 4.3 |
| Salary | $5.9 million |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Dating Katya Elise Henry |
| Social Media |
Instagram |
High School Stardom in Wisconsin
As a lifelong Wisconsin resident, I‘ve been aware of Tyler Herro‘s stardom since his incredible high school career. Attending local Whitnall High in Greenfield, Herro averaged a whopping 32.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.3 steals per game as a senior. He led the Falcons to a 25-2 record and a regional finals appearance while earning Associated Press Player of the Year honors in the state. His scoring exploits included single-game outbursts of 45, 46, and 48 points. Herro‘s shooting touch and athleticism made him one of the most coveted recruits nationally.
One Dazzling Season for the Kentucky Wildcats
Herro took his talents to Lexington for the 2018-2019 season, suiting up for John Calipari‘s latest one-and-done Kentucky squad. Starting in 37 of 39 games, he flashed brilliance as an aggressive scorer and shooter. Herro averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 36% from three. He led the Wildcats in scoring in 6 games, including dropping 24 points in a big comeback win over rival Louisville. Herro helped guide Kentucky to the NCAA Tournament Elite 8 before losing a thriller to Auburn. He was named SEC Newcomer of the Year and declared for the NBA Draft after just one college season.
Getting Drafted by the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat selected Herro with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, adding an electrifying young talent to the roster. Herro actually worked out twice for the Heat leading up to the draft, showcasing his shooting, playmaking, and competitive drive. As a longtime fan, I was thrilled to see him land in the ideal situation to flourish in Miami. Heat President Pat Riley praised Herro‘s versatility, saying:
"He can score in a lot of different ways, he‘s a great shooter, but he also moves well without the ball."
The 19-year old arrived brimming with confidence and ready to make an immediate impact.
Dominant Debut Season
Herro certainly delivered in his rookie year, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists while starting 15 games. He shot an efficient 39% from three-point range. Herro scored 30+ points twice, including dropping 37 points against the Pacers in December. For his red hot February play, averaging 17.1 points per game, Herro was named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.
My favorite Tyler Herro rookie moment came in the NBA Finals. In Game 4 against the Lakers, he scored 26 points off the bench, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to start in the Finals at just 20 years old. Herro‘s fearless shot-making abilities were on full display under the brightest spotlight. He was fittingly named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Breakout Playoff Run in the Bubble
The NBA playoffs held in the bubble in Orlando marked Tyler Herro‘s true coming out party. He thrived as a sophomore in the high stakes postseason atmosphere. Herro averaged 16.5 points per game while shooting 45% from the field and 38% from deep as the Heat reached the NBA Finals.
He was particularly dominant against Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals – torching the Celtics for 37 points in Game 4 and scoring 20+ points twice more in the series. For longtime fans like myself, it was a joy to watch Herro embrace and excel in crucial playoff moments. His stellar play was instrumental to Miami‘s Cinderella Finals run.
Skills and Playing Profile
As a 6‘5" combo guard, Tyler Herro impresses me most with his complete offensive arsenal:
- Lethal shooter both off the catch and dribble – 39% career from three
- Crafty finisher at the rim using either hand
- Great at moving without the ball and using screens
- Excellent passer and floor vision as a playmaker
- Confident pull-up shooter in pick and rolls
- Clutch factor – wants the ball in crunch time
He possesses the entire package offensively. Herro combines guard skills with a snipers touch – a rare skill set in today‘s NBA. His ability to create and convert tough shots off the bounce is special.
Current Teammate and Mentor in Miami
In Miami, Tyler Herro continues to expand his game under the mentorship of Heat legend Dwyane Wade. The two guards formed a close bond, with Wade providing wisdom on how to maximize his talents within Miami‘s system. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo drawing defensive attention, Herro has settled into his role as their dangerous third scoring option.
This past season, Herro took home NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors after averaging over 20 points per game off the bench. According to Coach Erik Spoelstra, “He’s proven that he can be a star in his role and continue to help us win at the highest level.” I‘m eager to see what new heights his game reaches next.
The Future is Bright
As Tyler Herro enters his prime NBA years, the future looks extraordinarily bright. He already has 3 seasons averaging double digit scoring under his belt and has shown steady improvement annually. Many NBA analysts predict he‘ll earn his first All-Star selection soon.
At just 23 years old, Herro still has room to grow as a playmaker, defender and leader. But the skills are clearly there for him to ascend into one of the NBA‘s most prolific scorers. Alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Herro gives these Miami Heat teams scary potential for years. Tyler Herro‘s rare gifts have made him one of the most dynamic young talents in basketball. As a longtime fan, I can‘t wait to see the next chapters of his career unfold in Miami.