Tyler Herro is one of the many players auditioning for a contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. He's under perhaps the biggest microscope, though, considering he's a former All-Star who many are banking on taking another leap. However, through his first two preseason efforts, Herro hasn't flexed that All-Star pedigree that the Bucks are certainly hoping for. It's early, but it would be great to see him flip the switch.
First returns on Tyler Herro call for more
In his first two outings, Herro has averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, shooting 44 percent from the floor. Those aren't terrible numbers, but they certainly aren't All-Star-caliber. If he is seeking an extension north of $35 million, which seems plausible, he'll have to do far more than that in this Taylor Jenkins-led system.
So far, Herro has been getting used to being the top option on the team and the one defenses focus on from the jump. That has led to some solid passing and decent off-ball opportunities, but his main strength is scoring the ball, and him attempting just nine shots per game is far fewer than anyone may have predicted heading into the preseason festivities.
Of course, all of this could be an overreaction. It's early. Only two games have been played. Herro is still getting to know everyone around him and dipping his toes into the system. Jenkins is also taking a by-committee approach in the preseason, as all but two Bucks have averaged double-digit minutes throughout the early action. It can be hard to get into a rhythm in those circumstances.
Still, it would be nice to see Herro come to life at some point in the preseason like fellow former Heat teammate Kel'el Ware has in the early going.
Herro could be the engine Bucks need
The Milwaukee Bucks have plenty of great players in tow, but as the supposed best player, one could argue that Herro will be the engine that makes this team go. If he's struggling, it makes things difficult for the rest of the team. That's why it would be nice for him to set the tone in the preseason and show that he has even greater heights to reach than he did in Miami.
The good news is that he still has several more opportunities. Milwaukee has three more games on the preseason schedule, giving Herro time to heat up. Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks likely won't hand him an extension based on his preseason play, but if he gets going now, it only sets him up to succeed once the real action begins. That's where he can cement his long-term future.
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