The Miami Heat fanbase is currently embroiled in a significant debate: should Tyler Herro be moved to the bench? However, until head coach Erik Spoelstra makes any adjustments, the discussion remains theoretical. Over the past two seasons, since transitioning from his 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year role to the starting lineup, Herro has started in all but two games he has played.
There is a case to reconsider Herro’s position. The Heat have a record of 44-37 in games where Herro has started alongside key players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo over the last two seasons. Despite having spent five seasons together, this core trio has not displayed the anticipated chemistry. This raises doubts about whether they will ever truly gel as a unit.
The other consideration is who would replace Herro if Spoelstra decided to bench him. Here are the potential candidates, starting with the most obvious one:
1. **Duncan Robinson**
Duncan Robinson might offer the chemistry that Herro seems to lack with Butler and Adebayo. This perspective is supported by Udonis Haslem, who suggested on ESPN’s *First Take* that Robinson should start instead of Herro.
“For chemistry, we’re better with Duncan Robinson in the starting lineup, making plays, being that trigger,” Haslem said. “Tyler can come off in that second group, no worry about getting guys involved, just play ball, score and be who he is.”
Robinson’s game is less ball-dominant compared to Herro’s. His quick-release shooting forces defenders to stay close to him as he moves around the perimeter, which creates more space for Butler and Adebayo to operate in the paint. If the Heat want to maintain optimal spacing for their star players while benching Herro, Robinson is the clear choice.