Could Hiro be back for Miami, which has been writing drama in the playoffs.
According to Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, “I don’t have a specific injury update. But Tyler Hiro is getting better and better. He has made progress in his recovery, but we don’t have an exact timetable for his return.”
Despite Hiro’s absence, Miami went 3-0 in the Finals, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, the New York Knicks in the second round and Boston in the Conference Finals, leaving the Heat one game away from advancing to the Finals.
Hiro fractured two fingers on a hustle play at the end of the second quarter in Game 1 against Milwaukee. The initial prognosis was that he would be out four to six weeks, meaning he wouldn’t return unless the Heat made it to the Finals. Surprisingly, Miami was on the verge of making the Finals, and Hiro’s chances of returning increased.
Hiro averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds this regular season, and was one of the mainstays of Miami’s offense alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Hiro’s high-sensitivity three-point shooting filled in the gaps in Butler and Adebayo’s offense and was the cider to an otherwise stifling Miami offense.
Hiro’s return is obviously a boon for Miami. But there are concerns.
The Heat have been dominant in these playoffs. Butler and Adebayo, along with undrafted players like Max Stras, Gabe Vincent, and Caleb Martin, have stepped up to fill Hiro’s void.
The offense would be even better with Hiro on board. It would also take some of the offensive pressure off Butler. On offense, Hiro is an absolute plus. The problem is defense. Hiro is a very weak defender. When he’s on the court, opposing teams often blatantly target him. This will only increase in the playoffs.
One of the reasons for Miami’s current rise is their strong defense. No matter who is on the court, the Heat have no weaknesses on defense and play a tight defense. Adding Hiro to the mix would create a weakness.
It looks like Hiro’s season is far from over. It will be interesting to see if he can make a comeback this season 토토사이트.