The Miami Heat gave it everything they had left in them in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, but they ended up falling just short. The bruised and battered Miami squad just didn't have it in them to get over the finish line, as they had too many guys nursing injuries and one of them was Tyler Herro.
Herro was crowned Sixth Man of the Year for the 2021-22 season as he had averaged 20.7 points per game but he missed some time in the Conference Finals and just didn't look like himself. It was a disappointing end to a great season for Herro and during his exit interview, he said that he wanted a starting role for next season as he felt he had earned it . Someone who disagreed with that notion was Pat Riley, the President of the Miami Heat.
Pat Riley on Tyler Herro wanting to start: “As far as being a starter, come to training camp and win it.”
Riley was speaking at his end-of-the-season press conference and he made it crystal clear right there that Herro hadn't earned anything quite yet. He expects him to come to training camp and win that role for next season and that is a typical Pat Riley comment. It is what 'Heat Culture' is built upon and Herro needs to keep improving on his game to get that job.
Riley had some more things to get off his chest as he spoke about Kyle Lowry's conditioning being something that needs to be addressed. He also took some time to praise Bam Adebayo for his unselfish play and said that the likes of Herro should pay him half his paycheck. Riley knows the buttons he needs to push here to help the team get better as he is one of the best in the business. He will now turn his attention towards next season, as he and the Heat continue their quest for a first title since 2013.
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