Tyler Herro is eager to make this year’s All-Star weekend memorable after spending it on vacation last season. The guard for the Miami Heat has openly expressed his desire to be part of the All-Star festivities this time around.
With ten of the 24 spots already occupied by seasoned players and none belonging to first-timers, Herro finds himself in a group of players hoping to secure their breakthrough. The final 14 reserve slots for the All-Star game will be determined by the head coaches, with the selections set to be announced on January 30.
Herro stated, “It would mean a lot. Every year, I work hard to be able to come in here and help the team as much as possible. I’ve tailored my game to assist the organization and help the team. But amidst my hard work and dedication to improvement, my personal goal has always been to become an All-Star. I feel that now is an excellent time for that.”
His coach, Erik Spoelstra, echoed Herro’s sentiments: “This isn’t a one-night phenomenon. People usually recognize only the increase in scoring average. However, his skill set has been developing over the past three years. He’s become stronger, improved his defense, enhanced his playmaking ability, and refined his movement without the ball. He’s now putting many elements together.”
This season, Herro is on target to achieve career-best averages in scoring, rebounds, assists, and shooting percentage, emerging as Miami’s standout player on most nights. He committed himself to a serious approach during the training camp, and so far, he has delivered on that promise.
Herro shared, “Everyone knows how I feel about myself, my game, and my abilities. Maybe I wasn’t prepared before. But now, my mental approach is completely different, and I’m witnessing the outcomes.”
Several other players could also be vying for their first All-Star appearances this season:
Victor Wembanyama from San Antonio is a highly anticipated candidate who is almost certain to make the team. Wembanyama commented, “Like everything, it’s a byproduct of collective results. Individual accolades will follow.”
Cade Cunningham from Detroit is making a significant impact, averaging 24.6 points and 9.4 assists, which may break the Pistons’ All-Star drought since Blake Griffin’s selection in 2019.
Evan Mobley of Cleveland is part of the Cavs’ task force, helping them achieve a remarkable 36-7 record as they lead the Eastern Conference. With contributions of nearly 19 points and nine rebounds per game, a selection as a reserve for Mobley makes strong sense.
Norman Powell of the LA Clippers is enjoying a career year, averaging over 23 points per game. Though filling one of the last seven spots for Western Conference players could be challenging, he certainly deserves attention.
Alperen Sengün from Houston, with averages of 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, is another young talent who could earn an All-Star nod, although the competition for reserve spots in the West is stiff.
Jalen Williams of Oklahoma City is developing well alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, contributing a solid 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Thunder could reasonably have at least two All-Stars this year given their performance.
