The Miami Heat experienced major changes this summer, and things will never be the same. After years of failed playoff runs, they welcome the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and NBA champion who puts them back in the title picture.
Sadly, for Tyler Herro, the deal ended his run with the franchise, and he’s not exactly on good terms with those he left behind. In fact, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the sharpshooting guard just recently got into a physical altercation with his now-former teammate, Bam Adebayo. It apparently took place in Las Vegas on Friday, at a hotel practice court.
“Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro got into a physical altercation in Las Vegas on Friday in which Adebayo struck Herro,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania. “The altercation occurred at a practice court in a Las Vegas hotel this morning, sources said — starting when Adebayo approached Herro about comments the guard made critiquing the center on social media after their seven-year run in Miami ended.”
Whether it was for Summer League action or some other event entirely, both Bam and Herro found themselves in Miami this week, and they couldn’t stop the emotions from boiling over. Despite Adebayo reportedly hitting Herro, no serious injuries were reported, and no league action is expected. Still, it’s a bad look for everyone involved, and shows just how ugly things can get between two former teammates.
It’s unclear whether anyone else was involved, but we do know how the fight started. It all traces back to a chain of private messages from Herro to a loyal Heat fan. In them, the former Heat star (who was already traded to the Bucks) brutally trash-talked Bam Adebayo, questioning his worth and seemingly pinning the blame on him for the Heat’s underachieving seasons. In his eyes, the fans protected Bam far too much, and he feels there was never true accountability.
When those messages leaked, they quickly went viral online, revealing the true nature of Herro’s feelings toward Bam. In response, Adebayo seemingly took matters into his own hands, resorting to settling the dispute physically rather than with words. Whether it was planned or a completely random encounter, what happened today was the culmination of years of frustration and resentment over a failed partnership. The most important factor now, however, is what comes next.
Despite being traded by the Heat and hit by his former teammate, Herro still speaks fondly of his time with the franchise. But now, he’s eager to seize this new opportunity in Milwaukee, where he’ll have the freedom and power to reach a higher level of play. After averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 48.0% shooting and 37.8% shooting from three last season, Tyler could return to All-Star status with a fresh start and a strong support system.
Meanwhile, the Heat are feeling no regrets about breaking up a duo that was never going to work. With Bam and Giannis leading the way, they can move forward in full win-now mode, leaving the past behind for good. As long as Bam can avoid further altercations, there’s nothing to get in the way of a major breakout season.
