"Come to training camp and win it!" — Pat Riley on Tyler Herro wanting to be a starter
Pat Riley and Tyler Herro
© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Herro proved this season that he is definitely one of the better young players in the league, but next year the guard wants to take a step further and become a starter with the Miami Heat. If he wants the spot, he has to prove it when training camp comes, according to the boss Pat Riley.
It's not all about scoring
Herro emerged in his rookie season and in the bubble showing he has a serious future in the league. After a lackluster second season, Herro returned this year better than ever and got rewarded with the 6th Man of the Year award on the #1 team in the East.
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Averaging 20.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 4.0 apg off the bench, Tyler was one of the key components to the Heat's great season, often being the #1 option on the offensive end of the floor. But his playoff performance left a lot to desire, although struggling with injuries. Herro was exposed on the defensive side of the floor, getting hunted and being a liability.
Recently we have heard Herro come out and say he wants to start next season, and the Heat executive and legendary NBA coach Pat Riley shared what it will take for Herro to become a regular starter on this Miami team.
"As far as being a starter, come to training camp and win it...The next step for him…If you want to win a championship and you want to be a starter, you have to become a two-way player."
Pat Riley, Brady Hawk Twitter
Pat might have been operating in the shadows for some time now, but there is no question he is at the top of the food chain in that organization when it comes to making decisions. Being regarded as one of the most cold-blooded and scariest decision-makers in the league, you better believe he expects Herro to work his tail off on the defensive side of the floor if he wants to become a star.
The offensive talent is there, and maybe Riley's push to make him more of a two-way player will be beneficial for both sides. After all, we all know Riley is behind all the strict diet, and body fat mandates the Heat set for their players, as there is a reason this is a franchise that is always competitive and relevant no matter the roster.
