Tyler Herro won’t make his return to the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets, coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters in his recent media availability (h/t Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson).
According to Spoelstra, Herro is still continuing his rehab process, but they are encouraged of his current progress in hopes to make his official comeback to the team after a broken hand recovery.
“He’s still just starting this process,” Spoelstra said. “We have a few days here to continue his work. I can’t make any proclamation until he makes these next important steps of contact and doing more on the court live. We’re all encouraged by his progress but still want to continue to be responsible and make the best decisions.”
Herro was seen doing workouts on Wednesday and even participated in a five-on-five scrimmage which only hits that a return can only happen sooner than later.
It was reported that Herro is already ramping up his activities and could see himself back in Miami lineup as early as Game 3 of the championship series. He took a six-week layoff after breaking his right hand on their first-round series opener against the Milwaukee Bucks in mid-April.
Herro’s return can’t be more significant as the Heat are looking to match up well against the Nuggets’ superior offense as he averaged 20.1 points in 43.9 percent shooting last regular season.
