Tyler Herro, the centerpiece player of the Miami Heat’s trade package for Damian Lillard, is facing scrutiny and criticism off the court. His value as a trade asset is being questioned, as he is not considered to be at the level of other players who have been traded for superstars. Additionally, Herro’s contract, worth $120 million over the next four years, adds to the skepticism surrounding his value.
The NBA has become increasingly skeptical of players who excel in only one aspect of the game. In today’s league, the ability to contribute on both ends of the court is highly valued, especially in the playoffs. Players who have defensive weaknesses are often targeted and can be played off the court, unless they are franchise players.
This shift in perspective is evident in recent examples of players who have been sidelined due to their one-way play. D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Poole were both highly paid players who were benched in the playoffs because of their defensive shortcomings. This raises the question of why these players are being paid so much if they are not seen as highly valuable.
Scoring is still important in the NBA, but it is no longer the sole determinant of a player’s value. A player’s overall contribution, including defense and other skills, is taken into account. Defensive specialists who lack offensive capabilities are also seen as detrimental to a team’s success.
Players like James Harden, Trae Young, and Damian Lillard can get away with being dominant on one end of the court because their offensive skills outweigh their defensive shortcomings. However, peripheral players who are paid superstar money cannot hinder the team’s overall performance.
In the case of Tyler Herro, his defensive deficiencies were evident during the 2022 playoffs, where Miami’s defensive rating dropped significantly when he was on the floor. While some may argue that Miami’s success in the 2023 Finals was not solely dependent on Herro’s absence, perception plays a role in how his game is evaluated.
Portland’s struggles to build a contender around Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum due to their defensive weaknesses serve as a cautionary tale. Adding a player like Herro, who also struggles defensively, may not be a good fit for the team.
In order for a trade involving Herro to happen, a third team may need to be involved to facilitate the deal. This third team would need to view Herro as valuable enough to give up a first-round pick, which could then be sent to Portland.
While Herro has shown potential and has put up solid numbers in his first four seasons, he falls short in certain areas such as efficiency and defense. This raises doubts about his ability to be a centerpiece in a trade for a top-tier player.
The NBA is undergoing a shift in priorities, with teams emphasizing the acquisition of stars and two-way players. Players like Herro, who do not fit into either category, are finding their value diminished in the trade market.
