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Adjusting to playing in a new arena may be difficult for some but if it is, Miami Heat rookie Tyler Herro downplayed that notion on Friday ahead of the season restart.
The NBA has constructed several practice courts at the Wide World of Sports Complex for the 22 teams to utilize. The seeding games will be rotated across three arenas, which seemingly could present a challenge for players to adjust to the different backgrounds and scenery inside.
Like the rest of the NBA, Herro and the Heat have started to acclimate to life inside of the bubble. They have participated in several practices and three scrimmage games ahead of Saturday’s season restart opener against the Denver Nuggets.
As far as Herro is concerned, there will be no issue when he takes the court.
Shooters shoot, whether they are going in or not. We are going to shoot, whether they are making or missing. I’m just excited to get out there and shoot in a game that counts. I’m excited to be able to continue to get my shots up whether they are falling or not but I plan on making my shots.
Though Herro sidestepped the challenges of adjusting to a new setting, the rookie didn’t shoot particularly well in the Heat’s three scrimmage games. He averaged 14.3 points, six rebounds and three assists, shooting just 37.2% from the field and 15% (3-of-20) from 3-point range.
Of course, after sitting for four-plus months, there will be some rust for players, which is precisely why the NBA set up scrimmage games for teams. Despite his shooting struggles, Herro is going to continue to shoot confidently each time he steps onto the court.
Being able to shoot the ball with confidence is key no matter what the surroundings are. We have all played in different gyms growing up, played in arenas, played in high school gyms. I’m sure we have all played in different settings. I think this is no different than others.
Herro enters the season restart as a 39.1% shooter from beyond the arc so it is reasonable to believe his struggles from the scrimmage games will not continue too far into the seeding games.
The Heat have already clinched a playoff berth so the seeding games will be an opportunity for the players to work out the kinks and knock off the rust before the postseason begins.
The Heat tip-off against the Nuggets at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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