Miami Heat: Tyler Herro has been fantastic so far in rookie season

The 13th overall pick out of a prestigious Kentucky program in this past summer’s draft, Tyler Herro has been spectacular for the Miami Heat

There wasn’t much hype surrounding Tyler Herro when he was selected by the Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA draft considering he wasn’t necessarily a household name. But after an impressive Summer League debut, Heat fans were given some array of hope that the rookie could possibly be an impact player at the NBA level.

After a busy offseason where Miami brought Jimmy Butler to South Beach, there was a lot of positivity surrounding this team. Along with rookie Kendrick Nunn, Herro has been a pleasant surprise for Erik Spoelstra this year.

Although the 19-year-old has started just three of 21 games this season, he’s still playing 28 minutes off the bench. Herro is averaging 14 points, four boards, and two assists per contest. He’s fifth among all rookies in scoring and fourth on the Heat in points per game.

Herro has always been known to be a very efficient shooter from downtown and he’s continued that trend at the NBA level. He’s shooting 39 percent from 3-point range on 5.1 attempts per night.

A complete player

Herro has shown that he’s a lot more than just a shooter this year. Sure, he’s great at sinking shots from downtown, but he’s also a great athlete who is quick enough to drive to the hoop and get buckets. He does a really good job of finding space to receive a pass and playing alongside veteran players like Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler has definitely helped bring the best out of him. Herro has also been very efficient from the charity stripe, shooting 82 percent.

The former Kentucky standout has scored in double figures in all but seven games this season while putting up 20-plus points five times. He’s second on the Heat among bench players in points per contest as well.

Herro currently has the fourth-best jump shot percentage in the NBA at 44.3 percent, a huge testament to his special ability to shoot the basketball efficiently.

Usually, with rookies, it takes them ample time to really get used to the NBA. Its a big transition from college but Herro has had no problem adjusting to the lifestyle of the association as he’s looked extremely comfortable on a nightly basis.

Playing alongside Dragic and Butler helps

Herro is lucky enough to have two All-Star caliber teammates who he shares the court with on a nightly basis in Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic. Both of these players have been around the league for a long time and bring a lot of experience to the table. They both lead the Heat in assists per game and you better believe a lot of those dimes are going to Herro, whether he’s cutting to the hoop or finding space on the perimeter for an open three.

The Miami Heat are receiving contributions from many different players and all of them have been vital to their early success this year. The Heat definitely has what it takes to finish in the top four in the Eastern Conference if they continue to play at a high level.

Tyler Herro will continue to play his part in South Beach as he solidifies himself as one of the best rookies so far in the 2019-20 campaign.