As the case is each year, rookies often face a tough transition from college to the NBA. That process can be even harder if you’re immediately forced to guard four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, as Tyler Herro found out.
After joining the Heat, Herro was around the organization for much of the summer as he adjusted to his new team. He often played pick-up games with his teammates and even joined Butler for his infamous 4 a.m. workouts.
Once Butler officially arrived in Miami, several Heat players, including Bam Adebayo, arranged for Herro to guard Butler on the court to see what the rook had and how he’d react. The three players discussed that, and more, in an interview with Slam Magazine as they grace the Slam 225 cover.
Adebayo: We threw him in the fire, Day 1. First day of pickup, we made him guard Jimmy.
Butler: I was killing you, too.
Herro: I wasn’t scoring?
Butler: You weren’t scoring on me. I’m not going for that [expletive].
Herro: Was I scoring?
Butler: You were not scoring on me.
Adebayo: We threw him in the fire and we wanted to see how he’d react. He didn’t shy away from it.
The team chemistry with Butler in the picture now has been strong as he has fit in seamlessly so far. He has been seen joking around with his teammates and has been impressed by what he has seen in Herro and fellow rookie Kendrick Nunn.
“Jimmy has taken me under his wing since the summer and really just pushed me and showed me the right way and has given me confidence and has really put me in the right spots,” Herro said.
As for that time he guarded Butler in practice, Herro said he thought he did well until Butler started taking it seriously. He is likely happy he doesn’t have to guard him when the games really matter.
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