Tyler Hero to Miss Season Opener

Tyler Hero will not be available for the opening night of the season.

The Miami Heat announced that Hero has undergone successful surgery to treat posterior collision syndrome in his left ankle. The recovery timeline is expected to be around eight weeks.

Reports indicate that the actual recovery could range from eight to twelve weeks, suggesting he might be back anywhere from mid-November to mid-December.

Initially, the Miami Herald noted that Hero was attempting to heal without surgery after suffering an injury during the offseason. He had tried platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections before deciding on the surgical route when his condition didn’t improve.

Eight weeks post-surgery would coincide with the Heat’s 13th game, which is slated to be against the Knicks in New York.

This situation is particularly concerning for Hero given his current contract status. The Heat have yet to extend his deal, which still has two years left before he potentially hits the open market in 2027.

Last season, Hero had a breakout year, averaging 23.9 points, along with 5.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds, while shooting 47.2% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.

However, he struggled during playoff games, notably averaging just 17.8 points in a sweep against the Cavaliers, with noticeable drops in his shooting percentages.

In the offseason, the Heat acquired Clippers guard Norman Powell, who averaged 21.8 points last year. Hero’s absence may also provide more playing time for younger players like Nikola Jovic and Kel’el Ware, as Bam Adebayo will likely step into a more prominent role.