Tyler Herro Set to Return Friday After Rib Fracture; Heat Promote Gardner, Add Keels
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MIAMI — Heat guard Tyler Herro will be back in uniform Friday night in Atlanta after sitting out the last 15 games with three fractured ribs. The third-year guard confirmed the extent of the injury Thursday, his first media session since going down last month.
“There’s not too much discomfort anymore,” Herro said. “Three or four weeks ago I couldn’t even get out of bed.” He plans to wear an NFL-style flak jacket that was custom-sewn to protect the injured area. “Hopefully I just don’t get hit there and we’ll be good,” he added.
With Herro cleared, Miami’s roster is as healthy as it has been all season. Only Terry Rozier and two absent two-way players remain on the injury report.
Key storylines for season’s stretch run
Over the final two months, the Heat will chase a top-six postseason seed while monitoring several individual situations:
- Contract talks ahead: Both Herro and veteran guard Norman Powell are eligible for offseason extensions.
- Nikola Jovic’s role: The club will evaluate whether the 20-year-old can lock down a regular rotation spot before his four-year, $62 million rookie-scale extension begins in July.
Gardner moves up, Keels steps in
Rookie wing Myron Gardner signed a new three-year standard contract this week after spending most of the season on a two-way deal. Head coach Erik Spoelstra credited Gardner’s “relentless” energy on the glass and in practice for earning the promotion.
To fill Gardner’s old two-way slot, Miami added guard Trevor Keels. Spoelstra labeled the former second-round pick a “sniper” offensively and said the team will invest additional time in his defensive development. “He still has a way to go in terms of getting in Miami Heat shape, but he’s come a long way,” the coach noted.
Point-guard depth still in play
Spoelstra also praised the differing skill sets of Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, and Kasparas Jakucionis. Whether all three can maintain roles once Herro re-enters the backcourt rotation remains undecided.
The Heat face the Hawks on Friday in the first game after the All-Star break.
Source: Hoops Rumors
