Heat guard Tyler Herro has lofty goals for the future and is determined to improve on the defensive end of the floor, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes.
Herro, an accomplished offensive player who’s averaged 12.9 points per game in his rookie season, believes it’s imperative to take the next step defensively in order to complete his quest of becoming an All-Star player. Herro said:
“My thing is, I don’t want to just be a scorer. I plan on being an All-Star one day and that’s what I’m set to work out to be. I know it’s going to take a lot obviously and it’s going to happen on both ends of the floor. I’m allowing coach Spo and the rest of the staff to push me every day.”
Herro, 20, was the No. 13 pick of the 2019 NBA draft out of Kentucky. He’s worked closely with Heat assistants Chris Quinn and Anthony Carter this season, also receiving clips from his trainer in Wisconsin to help him become a better defensive player. Herro said:
“He sends me clips of Avery Bradley, Patrick Beverley, guys that are on the ball and get into the ball when ball screens come. ... I know it’s a long road and a long process. Defensively is the biggest area I need to improve in. My offense is fine as of now.”
There’s more out of Miami today:
- Bam Adebayo and Kendrick Nunn have yet to join the team in Orlando, Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel relays. Both players remain away from the organization and haven’t reported for the league’s mandatory quarantine period. Miami’s first game falls on Saturday, August 1 against Denver.
- The Heat might have to survive for the immediate future without Nunn and Adebayo, Winderman cautions. Whether the team’s shorthanded roster will be sustainable is unclear, with Nunn and Adebayo representing two-fifths of the starting lineup this season. There is no concrete timetable for their return.
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Winderman ponders in a separate story whether Dion Waiters won his standoff with the Heat from earlier in the season. The Heat suspended Waiters multiple times for team violations and could’ve kept him on the roster if they wished, ultimately choosing to trade him to Memphis in February. Waiters signed with the Lakers after receiving his release from the Grizzlies and is currently gearing up for a deep playoff run.
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