Tyler Herro Making Early All-Star Case for Miami Heat Despite Loss to Detroit Pistons.
In what was an emotionally charged game for the Miami Heat, a heartbreaking 123-121 loss to the Detroit Pistons marked a difficult start to their NBA Cup group play. The defeat was compounded by a critical late-game mistake from head coach Erik Spoelstra, but amid the disappointment, one player stood head and shoulders above the rest: Tyler Herro. The 24-year-old guard’s performance not only provided a bright spot for Miami but also underscored why Herro is quickly emerging as a legitimate All-Star candidate in the early part of the 2024-2025 NBA season.
While the loss to the Pistons stung, Herro’s individual brilliance is already capturing the attention of fans, analysts, and even Heat coaches. With Jimmy Butler, the team’s perennial All-Star and star player, sidelined due to rest, it was Herro’s time to shine. And he did not disappoint. His offensive explosion was one of the few positives to take away from the game, as he posted a game-high 38 points, shooting 14-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Herro’s scoring came in various ways—whether it was his lethal perimeter shooting, crafty drives to the basket, or his ability to hit tough mid-range jumpers under pressure.
For Herro, the performance wasn’t just about the points—though those certainly came in droves. It was about the confidence, poise, and leadership that he displayed, something that had often been missing from his game in years past. His decision-making was sound, his shot selection mature, and he had the look of a player who is finally beginning to realize his potential as a top-tier scorer in the NBA.
A New Role for Herro.
This season, Herro has embraced a new role within the Miami Heat’s offense. With Butler often drawing the most attention from opposing defenses, Herro has had more opportunities to play a lead role, something that has benefited his game. He’s shown increased comfort as the primary ball handler, making plays for his teammates while also looking for his own shot. This added responsibility has allowed him to grow as a player, and his performance in the Pistons game was a reflection of the maturation process that has been quietly unfolding over the past year.
Herro’s growing role is not only a sign of his development as a player but also an indication of the Heat’s belief in his ability to carry the offensive load when Butler is unavailable. While there have been ups and downs in his career, there has been no question that Herro has the talent to be a star. Now, with more consistent opportunities to showcase his skills, Herro is proving that he can indeed fill the shoes of the team’s best player when needed.
Throughout the first few games of the season, Miami has been without Butler in various stretches, either due to rest or injury. In each of those games, Herro has stepped up, shouldering much of the offensive burden. This most recent performance against Detroit was one of his best so far, and it highlighted the improvements that have been evident in his game. Herro is no longer just a shooter; he’s become a more well-rounded offensive weapon capable of creating for himself and his teammates.
#### Miami Heat’s Offensive Struggles in the Loss
While Herro’s performance was stellar, the Heat’s loss to the Pistons can largely be attributed to missed opportunities and critical mistakes in the final moments of the game. With the score tied at 121 with less than 30 seconds to go, the Heat had a chance to take the lead. However, a miscommunication between Spoelstra and the players led to a rushed possession that resulted in a turnover. The Pistons capitalized on the error, converting a go-ahead basket to seal the victory.
This late-game misstep marred what was otherwise a competitive and exciting contest. Spoelstra, a seasoned coach with multiple playoff appearances under his belt, admitted that the loss was partially his fault, taking responsibility for the breakdown. He also emphasized how crucial these moments are for his young team, especially with a player like Herro playing at such a high level.
“The last play wasn’t executed the way we intended, and that falls on me,” Spoelstra said after the game. “But Tyler was outstanding tonight. He played with the kind of confidence and poise that you want to see from a star player. He gave us a chance to win, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Herro himself, while clearly disappointed by the loss, was focused on the positives. “We had some tough breaks at the end, but we can take away a lot of good things from this game,” he said. “We’ve got a lot to build on. Personally, I feel like I’m in a good rhythm, and I just need to keep it going.”
A Growing All-Star Case.
The Heat’s loss, however frustrating, has done little to diminish Herro’s case as a potential All-Star candidate this season. The early part of the 2024-2025 campaign has already seen the guard elevate his game to new heights, and he’s doing so in a year where there’s a clear need for him to take on a bigger role.
Herro’s development as a playmaker is perhaps the most significant aspect of his case for the All-Star team. While he’s always been known as a prolific scorer, the 2024-2025 season has seen him take steps toward becoming a more complete player. He is averaging career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals early on, and his ability to playmake in the half-court sets makes him more of a multi-dimensional offensive weapon. Whether it’s hitting an open Bam Adebayo for a dunk, creating a good look for a shooter in the corner, or initiating pick-and-roll actions, Herro has shown that he’s more than just a one-dimensional scorer.
While his scoring prowess will likely remain his calling card, the added ability to create offense for others has the potential to push his game to the next level. If he can continue to expand his playmaking abilities and contribute in other areas like defense and rebounding, there’s little doubt that Herro’s name will be in the conversation for a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Herro’s offensive numbers are already on pace to match or exceed his best career marks. Through the first few games of the season, he is averaging 25.4 points per game on 46% shooting from the field and 39% from three. His ability to create his own shot, especially in clutch moments, is something that will continue to be important as the season progresses. Herro’s confidence is at an all-time high, and it’s clear that he’s looking to take on the challenge of leading the Heat’s offense when Butler isn’t available.
In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Herro’s defense has taken noticeable steps forward this season. While defense has never been his strong suit, Herro has made a concerted effort to improve on that end of the floor. His defensive awareness and ability to stay in front of his man have improved, and he’s been more active in passing lanes, generating steals, and deflecting passes. This improvement on the defensive end adds an important dimension to his game that could sway All-Star voters in his favor.
The Road Ahead.
The road to an All-Star selection is never easy, especially in the Eastern Conference, where the competition is fierce. But if Herro continues on his current trajectory, it’s hard to see how he won’t earn a spot. The Heat may not be the league’s top contender without Butler, but Herro’s play will undoubtedly keep them in the playoff hunt.
Miami’s success this season will largely hinge on how Herro performs without Butler on the floor. If he can keep up his high level of play, make the necessary adjustments, and help the Heat stay competitive, his chances for an All-Star appearance will only grow. In a season where the Heat need someone to take charge when Butler is absent, Herro has already proven that he’s capable of carrying the team offensively. The next step for him is to maintain this level of consistency and prove that he can continue to be the primary force for Miami on both ends of the floor.
There’s no question that Tyler Herro has arrived. The 2024-2025 NBA season is shaping up to be a breakout year for the talented guard, and if he continues to perform at this level, it won’t be long before he earns the recognition he deserves as an All-Star. Miami fans, and basketball fans in general, are beginning to take notice—Tyler Herro is making a statement, and his All-Star case is stronger than ever.
