The 11-6 Miami Heat are already out to a better start than expected ... and they are about to get even stronger. Shooting guard Tyler Herro is expected tomake his season debutagainst the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, according to ESPN.
Herro, 25, has missed the entire regular season after undergoing ankle surgery in September. He sustained the injury in the offseason.
Herro's return comes at a great time for the Heat. The team is currently on a four-game win streak, with all four wins coming against teams over .500. Those wins have come despite the team missing both Nikola Jović and Andrew Wiggins with injuries. Jović has missed the past three games. Wiggins has been sidelined for two straight contests. Both Jović and Wiggins are considered day-to-day and could return against the Mavericks on Monday.
Despite losing Jimmy Butler last season, the Heat's offense is better than ever. Through 17 games, the Heat lead the NBA with 124.9 points per game. The team will now add Herro — their leading scorer from last season — to its electric offense.
After showing flashes early in his career, Herro has emerged as a star talent for the Heat. The former No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Herro spent the first three years of his career as a bench shooter. He took his game to the next level in Year 3, averaging 20.7 points and winning the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Since then, Herro has been a consistent starter for the Heat. After two strong seasons as a starter, Herro found a higher level last season, averaging a career-high 23.9 points and making his first NBA All-Star Game.
Herro willl look to repeat that performance when he takes the court against the 5-13 Mavericks on Monday.