Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Heat guard Herro back at practice
Rookie guard likely to suit up Wednesday against Hornets
MIAMI — Miami Heat rookie guard Tyler Herro returned to practice Tuesday, with the expectation of a return in Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at AmericanAirlines Arena.
“He practiced, full practice [Tuesday],” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We will see how treatment goes, and then we will see how he feels. We are taking this as a good sign.”
Herro has missed the past 15 games with what the team has listed as ankle soreness. He formally is listed as questionable for Wednesday night.
“It means a lot,” guard Goran Dragic said of likely getting Herro back. “We know what he can do. He can score. He’s a great shooter, and he gives us that different depth.”
The Heat’s second unit has thrived amid Herro’s absence, rotating in one of the starters along with Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala.
“We understand everybody needs to make some sacrifices this season,” Dragic said. “We know we’re going to need every player on this roster.
“We’ll see how Spo is going to sub us in and out with the rotation.”
Herro had been among the Heat’s leading late-game shooters before being forced out of the mix.
“It means a lot,” Dragic said, “especially when the game is on the line.”
Wednesday would be the first time Crowder could be in action alongside Herro.
“Before I became a member of this organization, I knew what kind of player he is,” Crowder said.
Center Bam Adebayo said there is no downside in getting back a player of Herro’s caliber.
“We missed his shooting,” Adebayo, “I will say that. We missed another shooter and he’s a big part in that role.
“I felt like when he went out, there was a big component missing. Getting him back in the second unit, I feel that we’ll mesh easier.”
Elsewhere on the Heat injury report:
■ Jimmy Butler, who sat out the fourth quarter Sunday in Washington with an injured left big toe, did not practice Tuesday. He is listed as questionable for Wednesday.
■ Crowder, who missed Sunday’s game while in NBA concussion protocol, practiced fully on Tuesday and is out of the NBA’s protocol. Crowder said he has one remaining test to be cleared to play. He is listed as probable.
“I feel normal,” he said. “I practiced [Tuesday] and I still feel normal.”
He stayed active during Sunday’s victory in Washington, cheering on the team from the bench.
“Not being able to contribute to that,” he said, “I just feel like it’s my part of be a good teammate.”
■ Meyers Leonard has missed the past 15 games with a sprained ankle, which Spoelstra said there’s still no update on. He is again listed as out.
In addition, guard Kendrick Nunn missed Tuesday’s practice because of a cold, while forward Udonis Haslem was away from practice due to an intestinal issue. Both are listed as questionable.
The Heat also are without forwards Kyle Alexander and KZ Okpala, who are on G League assignment with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.