The Miami Heat will begin the 2025-26 season without their All-Star guard.Tyler Herro underwent surgery Friday on his left foot and ankle, a procedure that will keep him out of action as the team opens its campaign.
The injury had been bothering Herro since midsummer workouts, according to The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang. The 25-year-old tried to push through with platelet-rich plasma and cortisone treatments, but the discomfort never went away. Doctors determined surgery was the safest way to prevent the issue from becoming worse.
It’s a major blow for Miami. Herro is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. He earned his first All-Star selection while shooting nearly 47 percent from the field and close to 38 percent from three-point range.
Heat face early-season challenge without Herro
The timing couldn’t be tougher. Miami’s schedule starts heavy, with six of the first eight games on the road and 11 of the opening 15 against playoff-caliber opponents. Without Herro’s scoring punch, Erik Spoelstra will lean more on Bam Adebayo and veteran newcomer Norman Powell to carry the load.
There’s no official timetable for Herro’s return. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the team will know more after the procedure, though players with similar surgeries often need six to eight weeks before returning to basketball activity. The Heat believe it is not a season-ending injury, but they’re preparing for an extended absence.
Bigger picture: contract questions remain
Herro’s surgery also adds a wrinkle to Miami’s long-term planning. Extension talks were already a topic around the guard after his breakout year. Now the front office faces a decision on whether to commit big money while he works back from surgery.
For a franchise that finished 37-45 last season and missed the playoffs, the margin for error is slim. The Heat need a strong start to avoid digging a hole too deep for even a healthy Herro to fix later.
Still, Miami has been here before. Injuries have often tested Spoelstra’s system, and the team has a history of grinding through tough stretches. The question now: can they stay afloat long enough for Herro to return and make another run at the postseason?
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