Herro Focuses on Recovery Over All-Star Defense
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro has declined an invitation to defend his NBA 3-point contest championship during All-Star Weekend, prioritizing his return from injury instead. The 2023 champion remains sidelined with a right rib injury officially listed as ‘right costochondral’ discomfort.
Herro last competed on January 15, missing Miami’s subsequent 10 games. The guard has appeared in just 11 contests this season following multiple setbacks including September ankle surgery and a toe contusion.
All-Star Weekend Absences
While Herro won’t participate in the February 14 event at Intuit Dome, teammate Norman Powell earned his first All-Star selection as an Eastern Conference reserve. Powell previously competed in the 2023 3-point contest with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Heat center Kel’el Ware will represent Miami in the Rising Stars competition on February 13. The team concludes its pre-break schedule with five games, including a February 11 matchup against New Orleans.
Heat to Honor 2006 Championship Team
The franchise will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first NBA championship during Tuesday’s game against Atlanta. Eleven members of the title-winning roster are expected for halftime ceremonies and commemorative events.
Confirmed Attendees Include:
Earl Barron, Michael Doleac, Udonis Haslem, Jason Kapono, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton, Wayne Simien, Dwyane Wade, Antoine Walker, and Dorell Wright. Jason Williams, James Posey, Derek Anderson and Shandon Anderson will not attend.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra, an assistant on the 2006 staff, emphasized the championship’s significance to players following Sunday’s victory. “We’re celebrating our first championship, and that does mean a lot to us,” Spoelstra stated. “It goes by like this.”
The coach snapped his fingers while reflecting on the milestone. “I really hope that we’re celebrating a championship 20 years from now with whatever group you’re with,” he continued. “When you put on that uniform – we’ve got three championships – it’s about honoring that standard.”
