Tyler Herro has embraced life as the Milwaukee Bucks' top option, putting up some of the best stats in his career. However, the biggest blemish on his resume thus far is the poor string of performances during crunch time. When things are tight late in the game, Herro has struggled to help get the Bucks over the hump and seal the deal more often than not.
Herro's clutch struggles are hurting Bucks
To be the best, you have to be trusted in the clutch. To earn that trust, you have to first deliver. Herro hasn't delivered yet.
In four clutch contests, defined as the final five minutes of a game where the two teams are within five points, Herro has scored seven points on 2-of-8 shooting. Among players NBA-wide to attempt eight or more shots in the clutch this season, Herro's 25 percent success rate is the second-worst, trailing only Dallas' Kyrie Irving (22.2 percent).
It hasn't helped the overall production that he is also 1-of-4 from the foul line and has two turnovers to one assist. That's just not going to cut it. Getting back on track starts with Herro simply doing what he does best: hitting shots. Whether it's at the rim, from 3-point range, or simply at the foul line, Herro needs to put the ball through the hoop when the game is on the line.
It's easier said than done, of course, but that's the responsibility that comes with being a main option.
Herro is not fully at fault for Bucks' woes
It's far from surprising that the Milwaukee Bucks are struggling late in games. It's not all Herro's fault, either. This team is incredibly young, leaning on young pieces who are all seeing the most prominent roles of their careers. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has missed all four of his field goal and free throw attempts. Ryan Rollins is 0-of-2 from the floor and 2-of-4 from the foul line as his struggles persist.
There are bound to be some growing pains.
Yet, Herro is still under a microscope because he's the guy and will be hunting for the guy money in NBA Free Agency next summer. If he wants to earn it, stepping up late in games and showing that he can will his team to victory when needed would strengthen his chances. It's a small sample size thus far. Herro has plenty of time to right the ship.
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