Field Level Media
01 Jun 2023, 03:35 GMT+10
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is closer to returning from his broken right hand, but it won't be in Game 1 on the NBA Finals, coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters Wednesday.
The Heat, the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, open the best-of-seven finals series on Thursday on the road against the Western Conference champion and top-seeded Denver Nuggets.
"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves right now," Spoelstra said Wednesday. "He's still just starting this process. We do have a few days here just to continue his work. I can't even make any kind of proclamation until he takes these next important steps. And that's where contact and doing things more on the court live, and we'll just see."
Herro, 23, got the OK to return to basketball activities last week. He broke his right hand in the opening game of the Heat's first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks and underwent surgery.
"I know we're all encouraged by his progress that he's made, but we want to continue to be responsible and make the best decisions," Spoelstra said. "He's not there yet."
Herro was the 2021-22 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and moved into the starting rotation in this season. After starting just 33 times combined in his first three seasons, Herro averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game in his 67 starts this season.
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday in Denver, with Game 3 set for Wednesday in Miami.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Sports Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sports Sun.
More Information(Photo credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images) Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday...
(Photo credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) Former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby is retiring as a member of the team, general...
(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) Washington Capitals star captain Alex Ovechkin is turning his pursuit of the NHL record...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) As the Browns inch closer to the start of the 2025 league year next week, Cleveland general...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Kansas City Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is headed to the Chicago Bears in exchange...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Kansas City Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is headed to the Chicago Bears in exchange...
(Photo credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images) Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday...
(Photo credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) Former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby is retiring as a member of the team, general...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) As the Browns inch closer to the start of the 2025 league year next week, Cleveland general...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Kansas City Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is headed to the Chicago Bears in exchange...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Kansas City Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is headed to the Chicago Bears in exchange...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Kansas City Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is the subject of trade discussions and the...