Miami Heat rookie guard Tyler Herro never got the chance to play with retired Heat legend Dwyane Wade.
Over the weekend, Herro indicated that he wishes he could have played alongside the future Hall of Famer.
Wade completed his memorable 16-year career last year, taking part in a season-long farewell tour that saw him recognized across the league for his many accomplishments.
Two months after Wade’s final game, Herro was selected by the Heat with the 13th overall pick in the draft.
Wade took time to recognize the drafting of Herro, and he also included some strong advice to embrace the Heat’s rigorous attention to work ethic.
Herro took that advice to heart and had put together a strong first season prior to the NBA’s suspension of play on March 11.
The 20-year-old Herro was contributing largely off the bench, starting only six of his 47 games on the season.
However, in those contests, he was averaging 12.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, helping the Heat to a 41-24 record on the year.
While Herro never got the opportunity to play with Wade, he has forged a strong bond with Jimmy Butler, who has brought much of the fire and talent that Wade possessed during his time in a Heat uniform.
The good news for Herro is that Wade continues to keep close tabs on the Heat and has always been open to offering advice to players seeking his counsel.
Judging from the reverence that Herro has for Wade, it’s likely that such conversations will take place in the years ahead.