If the outside perspective now is that Tyler Herro should continue to play nice but also share, the Miami Heat sixth man said the return of second-team backcourt partner Victor Oladipo in one aspect feels like old times.
“I’ve played with other good players before, coming off the bench,” Herro said, with the Heat hosting the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night at FTX Arena. “I came off the bench last year with Goran [Dragic], really my first two years.
“So we’ll find a way to work it out. I know how good of a player Vic is and what he can do with the ball in his hands. So I’m willing to do whatever.”
The difference between Herro-Dragic and Herro-Oladipo is that Herro is operating at a far higher level than his previous two seasons. Also, Oladipo is attempting to reestablish himself, compared to Dragic having played more as contributing veteran mentor.
“I think it’s more of an in-game situation where we can feel it out with each other,” Herro said, with Oladipo returning in Monday night’s victory over the Houston Rockets after 11 months away due to quadriceps surgery. “And I know how good Vic is, and have so much respect for him to do his thing.
“We’ll make it work. This is a very unselfish thing, so I don’t think that will be an issue.”
As the NBA’s leading candidate for the Sixth Man Award, a possible runaway winner, Herro said he is comfortable in his own skin no matter the reserve rotation.
“I feel like I’ve been making statements all year, just continuing to be myself, and my teammates and coaches help me be productive out there,” Herro said after Wednesday morning’s shootaround. “And I just continue to show what I’m capable of.”
Even in March, Herro said it is a matter of the rotation evolving, the latest issue being sinus congestion for forward Jimmy Butler.
“It’s all going to take time, as we get guys back,” Herro said, with forward Markieff Morris still sidelined. “Hopefully we can get fully healthy here in the next couple of games, and start to really mix with the rotations and different combinations of guys.”
Booker back
After four games in NBA health-and-safety protocols, Suns guard Devin Booker was cleared for a return Wednesday night.
For Herro, that meant another opportunity to go against a mentor.
“I just cherish moments like this, being able to compete against Devin,” Herro said of his fellow University of Kentucky product. “Whenever we go up against each other, it’s a game I look forward to.
“There’s similarities in our games, I guess you could say. But I try come into my own as a player in this league. And I continue to push myself to get better.”
The relationship with Booker has evolved over the years.
“He reached out to me at Kentucky, when I was at school,” Herro said. “It might have been even in high school. So I kept our relationship with him, and early in my career I continue to model my game after him, watching what he does.”
Packers pride
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Herro said he was glad to see Aaron Rodgers work out a new contract to remain with the Green Bay Packers, after months of trade speculation.
“I mean, love it,” Herro said. “I was growing up watching him. I was not ready for him to leave. So I’m happy we were able to bring him back.”
