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Tyler Herro Makes Concerning Jimmy Butler Admission

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 10:32 PM ET

As the Miami Heat navigate a challenging playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, trailing 3-0 after a 37-point Game 3 loss, Tyler Herro’s candid reflection on Jimmy Butler’s departure has raised eyebrows.

In an interview with "The Athletic" before Game 3, Herro admitted, “Obviously, I know I need Jimmy to win. If we had Jimmy right now, I feel like it’d be a completely different situation. We probably wouldn’t even be the eighth seed.”

This stark admission underscores the void left by Butler, who forced his way out of Miami earlier this season, leaving Herro and Bam Adebayo to shoulder the leadership burden.

Herro’s comments reveal the emotional and strategic toll of Butler’s exit. The six-time All-Star was the heart of the Heat’s playoff runs, known for elevating the team in high-stakes moments.

Without him, the Heat have struggled, enduring a 10-game losing streak midseason before scraping into the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament.

Herro, now the offensive centerpiece, has risen to the occasion with a career-high 23.9 points and 5.5 assists per game, earning his first All-Star selection.

Yet, his acknowledgment of needing Butler highlights the challenge of transitioning from a supporting role to the No. 1 option, especially under postseason pressure.

The Heat’s current predicament—facing elimination against a dominant Cavaliers squad—amplifies Herro’s concerns.

Butler’s absence has exposed roster gaps, particularly in clutch scoring and defensive cohesion.

As Herro continues to grow, his admission serves as a reminder of the steep learning curve he faces in leading the Heat back to contention.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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