The Miami Heat are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season, but there’s a cloud hanging over South Beach—and its name is Tyler Herro. The 25-year-old guard, who has blossomed into the team’s most reliable scorer and a core franchise piece, underwent surgery on his left foot and ankle on Friday, September 19, 2025. The development, first reported by the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang and confirmed by multiple outlets, means the Heat will launch their campaign without their offensive linchpin.
Herro’s absence is more than just a minor setback; it’s a seismic shift for a Miami squad still adjusting to the post-Jimmy Butler era. The Heat faithful were hoping for a fresh start, but instead, they’re left wondering how the team will fill the void left by a player who, just last season, set career highs and earned his first-ever NBA All-Star nod.
Let’s rewind a bit. Herro had been dealing with discomfort in his left foot and ankle since the summer of 2025. According to the Miami Herald, he tried platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cortisone injections—modern medicine’s go-to remedies for lingering pain—in hopes of avoiding the operating table. But the pain simply wouldn’t quit. After several weeks of failed conservative treatment, Herro and the team’s medical staff decided surgery was the only viable path forward. As of Friday’s procedure, no official timetable for his return has been announced. The Heat are expected to provide an update following the operation, but for now, the timeline is anyone’s guess.
Herro’s impact on the court can’t be overstated. Last season, he led the Heat in scoring, pouring in a career-best 23.9 points per game and dishing out 5.5 assists across 77 appearances. He was a model of consistency and efficiency, shooting a personal-best 47.2 percent from the field and hitting a career-high 251 three-pointers. His three-point accuracy—an impressive 37.5 percent—helped stretch defenses and open up the floor for his teammates. It’s no wonder he earned his first All-Star selection as part of Kenny Smith’s “Young Stars” team, capping the weekend by winning the three-point contest. Talk about making a statement!
Beyond the box score, Herro’s value is even clearer when he’s not on the floor. When Miami played without him last year, their offense dipped by a staggering 8.6 points per possession. That’s not just a minor blip; that’s a full-on offensive drought. For a team that’s already had to reinvent itself following Butler’s departure, losing Herro—at least for the start of the season—couldn’t come at a worse time.
Herro’s journey with Miami has been one of steady growth and relentless work. Drafted 13th overall in 2019, he entered the league as a promising bench contributor. By his fourth year, he’d earned a spot in the starting lineup, and he’s never looked back. Over his 361 career games (217 starts), Herro has averaged 19.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. His evolution from Sixth Man of the Year in 2021-22 to full-fledged All-Star last season is a testament to his dedication and the Heat’s player development system.
“Tyler’s production was vital for the Miami Heat,” the Miami Herald noted. “When he was unavailable, the Heat’s offense dipped by 8.6 points per possession.” That statistic speaks volumes about just how much the team leans on his scoring and playmaking. It’s not just the points—Herro’s presence creates opportunities for everyone else on the court.
Herro’s 2023-24 campaign also showcased his all-around improvement. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, cementing his status as a core piece of the Heat’s future. He ranks second in franchise history with 984 three-pointers, a number that’s sure to climb once he’s healthy again. And let’s not forget his role as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2021-22—a season that marked his transition from spark-plug reserve to indispensable starter.
While Herro faces an uncertain recovery timeline, he’s not the only Heat player to deal with health concerns this summer. Forward Nikola Jovic had a minor setback at EuroBasket but managed to return and finish the tournament. Unlike Jovic, however, Herro’s injury will force him to miss the start of the NBA season—a tough pill for Miami fans to swallow.
Miami now faces some major questions. Who will step up in Herro’s absence? Can the Heat maintain their offensive rhythm without their top scorer? The team’s depth will be tested early, and head coach Erik Spoelstra will need to get creative with his rotations. There’s no sugarcoating it: losing a player who averaged 23.9 points and 5.5 assists is a massive blow.
Looking back at Herro’s rise, it’s clear why his absence looms so large. He’s been a steady presence since day one, growing from a rookie sensation to a franchise cornerstone. His All-Star debut last season was well-earned, and his three-point contest victory showed just how far his shooting has come. At only 25, Herro still has his best basketball ahead of him—if he can get healthy.
For now, the Heat will have to rely on their next men up. Veterans and young guns alike will be called upon to fill the scoring void. Miami’s front office may also look for short-term reinforcements, but replacing Herro’s production and leadership won’t be easy. The team is entering a new era, and the early weeks of the 2025-26 season will serve as a proving ground for the supporting cast.
NBA fans across the league will keep a close eye on Herro’s recovery. The Heat have always prided themselves on resilience and adaptability, and this latest challenge will put those qualities to the test. As the season opener approaches, anticipation and anxiety are running high in Miami. Will Herro make a speedy return? Or will his absence force the Heat to redefine their identity once again?
One thing’s for sure: Tyler Herro’s journey is far from over. His determination and work ethic have carried him through setbacks before, and there’s every reason to believe he’ll come back stronger. But for now, the Heat must navigate uncharted waters without their brightest star, hoping that when Herro does return, he’ll be ready to pick up right where he left off.
As the Miami Heat prepare to tip off the new season, all eyes remain on Tyler Herro’s recovery and the team’s quest to stay competitive in a fiercely contested Eastern Conference. The coming weeks will reveal whether Miami can weather the storm—or if Herro’s absence will leave a lasting mark on their campaign.