Anxious Heat fans awaiting the return of Tyler Herro will have to stay on standby for a little longer, according to the latest update from Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.
Ahead of Sunday’s Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Spoelstra confirmed Herro, who has been out since April 16 with a broken right hand, remains without a return timeline, but stopped short of ruling the guard out for another game. Spoelstra also shot down an ESPN report released prior to the Heat’s 104–93 Game 1 loss to the Nuggets on Thursday stating there was a “possibility” the 23-year-old could return for Game 2.
“His status has not changed yet, I’m not trying to be elusive about that,” Spoelstra told reporters on Saturday. “I don’t know where that report came out that he was playing in Game 2. All we’re focused on right now is his process, continuing to do work and get prepared.
“Whatever that timeline is where he’s ready to go, I’ll let you know.”
Erik Spoelstra with a Tyler Herro "update." Didn't rule him out for Game 2. Said they are still "focused on the process" and suggested media could read into it however they like. pic.twitter.com/6sYcyJNuX5
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) June 3, 2023
As the Heat continue to monitor Herro’s health, the guard will participate in Saturday’s practice, according to NBA TV’s Jared Greenberg. Miami’s coaching and medical staff will evaluate Herro at practice before speaking to him and determining whether he can play, which Greenberg noted could be in Game 2 or 3, despite Spoelstra’s comments.
With Game 2 quickly approaching, Herro’s status will surely remain a topic of discussion. If it hasn’t already, the situation could generate major levels of concern if he misses Game 2 and the Heat fall into a 2–0 hole heading into Game 3 in Miami on Wednesday.
In his 67 starts in the regular season, Herro, the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting a NBA-leading 93.4% from the free throw line. He logged 12 points in 19 minutes of action prior to going down with his hand injury in Game 1 of the Heat’s first-round upset against the Bucks.
