Tyler Herro scored 30-plus points in each of the Miami Heat’s play-in games. How do you think this impacts his reputation around the league?
Daniel Riccio: The Tyler Herro brand SHOULD be at an all-time high. His career year has resulted in a legitimate All-Star leap and displayed that superstar growth on a nationally televised stage during this play-in tournament. Still, I don’t see his recent heroics improving his reputation that much more. The Heat, for whatever reason, will always struggle to gain respect and recognition, and it’s been that way for over a decade now.
Max Marshall: Ideally, yes, I think some media members look at Tyler Herro a little bit differently with the loss of Jimmy Butler, and Herro is still providing the Heat with scoring in win-or-go-home games. But, people say if he is so good, then why are they in the play-in tournament?
Stephanie Meadows: We are seeing a superstar in Tyler Herro blossom before our eyes. He had standards for himself and has matured and grown into the player he has always strived to be. While people are always going to talk, and some players say it doesn’t get to them, I believe Herro internalized it, took notes and criticism, and used it to his advantage. I think that, individually, Tyler has gained the right recognition and improved his reputation around the league. Still, all that matters is what Herro thinks of himself and how he performs, as well as how his team and coaches value and respect him in the end.
Does it make you feel even more confident in this backcourt when Dwyane Wade is tweeting about Herro and Davion Mitchell?
Daniel Riccio: Absolutely. If there is anybody whose opinion matters the most when it comes to Miami Heat basketball, it is from the greatest player in franchise history. It always feels great to see Dwyane Wade’s support.
Max Marshall: It’s always good to see Dwyane Wade hype up his former team. Anytime Wade speaks about Miami, you have to stop and listen, whether it’s positive or negative.
The Heat will be an eight seed going against a one seed, without Jimmy Butler, for the second straight season. Are they in a better position now, going against the Cavaliers, than they were a year ago against the Celtics?
Daniel Riccio: I think the Heat are in a much better position. The cloud surrounding Jimmy Butler’s injuries and drama is long gone. This is a relatively healthy Heat squad that has put in the work to build a new identity for itself post-Butler. And this team matches up better against a Cavs squad that still has a lot to prove in the postseason than the reigning NBA Champions.
Max Marshall: The Heat are in a way better position this year. They have played without Jimmy Butler for a while now and have a good idea of what everyone’s role is on this team. The Heat had no chance of beating the Boston Celtics last year without Butler. This Cleveland Cavaliers team is really good, but Miami has played them pretty well this year. Not saying they’re gonna upset Cleveland, but the Heat have a better chance beating them than Boston last year.
Stephanie Meadows: It's always nice to see support and recognition from former Heat players, especially Dwyane Wade, one of the best to ever wear a Miami uniform. When this roster is healthy, we’re a force to be reckoned with. Davion Mitchell is an absolute menace defensively and a perfect fit. He needs to be signed asap! Herro and Mitchell were reposting what people were saying about them, especially players they probably looked up to as heroes. The Heat deserves recognition; what the team has overcome and accomplished this season is impressive and hopefully a step forward in the right direction.
What player or matchup interests you the most in Heat vs. Cavs?
Daniel Riccio: Tyler Herro vs Donovan Mitchell will be the biggest matchup of the series. It will be the two leading scorers for each respective team going head-to-head in the backcourt. However, a Duncan Robinson/Max Strus matchup is also enticing.
Max Marshall: Bam Adebayo vs Evan Mobley. Mobley is taking everything Adebayo has worked for in his career. Adebayo is an all-world defender who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Mobley, on the other hand, is one of the favorites to win the Defensive Player of the Year. Adebayo should take this matchup personally on both ends.
Stephanie Meadows: Tyler Herro vs Donovan Mitchell is my pick. They both lead their teams offensively, and I am looking forward to a showdown. I am also looking forward to seeing Max Strus again. I still love him as a player and person, and he and Duncan Robinson are always good to see in that matchup as well.
What’s something you hope to see from the Heat in this series?
Daniel Riccio: I hope to see the Heat play a strong level of basketball consistently throughout all four quarters. They luckily avoided yet another devastating late-game collapse against the Atlanta Hawks. Their blown double-digit lead may have been enough to hold off a team like Atlanta, but it will be much more difficult to do so against the East’s number one seed.
Max Marshall: Win a home playoff game. This fanbase deserves it.
Stephanie Meadows: I would love to see consistency throughout this series for Miami, as it has proven to bring success and wins. I would also love to see us win at home, the energy is always electric. Let’s go Heat!! #WhiteHot
