2023 will not remain, for the moment, a great year for Tyler Herro. The former best sixth man in the NBA broke his hand in the first playoff game against the Bucks, and he witnessed, on the bench, the fantastic epic of his teammates, without being able to help them in the final against to the Nuggets.
Then ten days later, he discovered that his leaders were ready to sacrifice him to bring in Damian Lillard. Ultimately, the Blazers didn’t want him, and here he is still in the Heat jersey.
“It’s different being a rookie and being traded.” notes Tyler Herro. “I’m a little better settled now. I am well paid and that plays a part. But mentally, I just want to be where they want me, where they believe in me and where they trust me. I feel like the Heat still trust me, that they believe in me…I’m happy to be here. At the end of the day, it’s a business and I try to keep that in mind because I’m in the NBA, making millions of dollars and sheltering my family for the rest of their lives. That’s where I want to be, and that’s why maybe I felt a little disappointed in a way. But I also realize that it’s a business. »
“I feel like I have a lot of value…”
And what does he think of the fact that the Blazers preferred to receive Draft picks rather than him? How do we take the fact of being less valued than future Draft selections?
“It’s funny, but everyone has their opinion. The only people who really know what it is are those in the offices who discuss and decide the value of players. I feel like I have a lot of value… Ultimately, I’m going to show it this season and hopefully at the end of the season I’ll be in the same category as Bam. »
One thing is certain, Tyler Herro likes challenges and responding to criticism. Like when he did it in the “bubble” by proving that he was not a rookie like the others, or when he became the best backup in the NBA.
“After my Draft, Pat Riley said that Spo was going to make me an All-Star”
“I really want to answer those who think I can’t play in the playoffs. I was 18-19 years old in the “bubble” and I was the third best player on our team as a rookie… I was at 12 points before I got injured (against the Bucks this season). I know I can play in the playoffs, but ultimately it’s just about having the opportunity. Last year I felt like I had it and then I injured my hand. It really hurt me because I was about to make a big playoff…”
In the end, Tyler Herro simply wants to demonstrate that he is not a “role player” and that perhaps means an All-Star selection.
“It’s been one of my goals since I got here. I remember as a rookie, after my Draft, Pat Riley said during the press conference that Spo was going to make me an All-Star. This is the goal I set for myself. I want to become someone exceptional. I don’t feel like I’m a role player. I feel like I can help this team win and make things happen. When you win, selection to the All-Star Game follows. »
