Heat's Herro focused on roster without Butler: 'We've got enough'
Guard Tyler Herro believes the Miami Heat have regrouped since losing star teammate Jimmy Butler to suspension.
"Just rallying around each other, making it about the guys that are here now, the guys that are in this locker room," Herro said following Miami's 119-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
"We've got enough, and that's all that matters. This is what we wanted to get back on the road, get away from all the chaos and come out here and compete and get back to who we are and get to our identity."
Herro scored 32 points Saturday to lead the Heat to their third straight win. Miami sits sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 20-17 record.
The Heat are 8-7 this season without Butler, who's serving a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the organization due to an ongoing contract dispute. The Heat are exploring trades for the former All-Star but reportedly expect him to return to Miami if they don't move him. Butler's suspension ends after Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Herro has stepped up during the uncertainty, averaging 23.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over the last five contests since Butler's ban began.
"Tyler's decision-making versus all the different schemes that teams are throwing at him are becoming better and more efficient," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He's reading the game. In the moments of truth, he's stepping up for us when we really need him."
The Heat face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.