After Tyler Herro returned to play the Miami Heat second preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Heat eventually obtained a chance to evaluate when he shared the backcourt with Terry Rozier. The duo generates significant interest as people are curious about how “Scary Terry” and the rising star from the 2019 NBA Draft can impact the Heat’s offense which struggled last season.
As we’ve seen thus far, Rozier drove and dished the ball out to everyone he could, while Herro was leaning around the three-point line to craft his off-ball movement. The two guards are working on improving the team’s offense which Miami is expecting to occur this upcoming season.
Rozier and Herro Lead Miami Heat Revamped Offense
Rozier and Herro Trigger Heat’s Offensive Prowess
The first time seeing the backcourt duet in preseason was the Pelicans game on Sunday (Oct 13). Both Herro and Rozier showcased their scoring abilities. Herro led the team with 12 points and three assists in the first half, while Rozier closely followed with 11 points and two assists.
Their ability to score efficiently was evident as both players shot 50% from the field and from beyond the arc, demonstrating their capability to space the floor and score at multiple levels. One look reveals head coach Erik Spoelstra has shown his tendency to play space and long-range shooting, offering both more room to orchestrate. This offensive prowess is expected to make the Heat offense more challenging to defend, especially since all the starting five can shoot.
In this aspect, Rozier, one of the most experienced point guards on the Heat roster, becomes the key to organizing game plans. Against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, he put up five assists, including linking up with Bam Adebayo with slick alley-oop lobs. Last season, Rozier averaged 16.4 points in 30 appearances after joining the Heat. Spoelstra may need him to step up more on the offensive end in the future if the team is in an offensive malaise.
Though Herro struggled to keep his shooting consistency during the Spurs game (he missed seven of his nine three-ball attempts), he still racked up 14 points in the first half. The catch-and-shoot orientation doesn’t prevent Herro from driving inside the paint to score, as he utilized his pump fake to juke out defenders. While securing a starting spot, Herro is looking for a healthier season.
Concerns and Future Development
While the offensive potential of Rozier and Herro is promising, my concern lies in their defense, the side of the court they both are not known for. The Heat are on their way to challenging other Eastern powerhouses. Despite concentrating on scoring and facilitating, Rozier and Herro might need to prioritize coping with the upcoming defensive pressure as well.
The chemistry between Rozier and Herro is still in its early stages but is developing positively. Despite some initial struggles, particularly from Rozier when he first joined the team, both players are showing signs of improvement and adaptation. The Heat coaching staff has prioritized giving them ample court time together to foster their chemistry. Once the duo finishes navigating their position, the playmaking for the Heat on the offensive end will be smoother than last season.
