Here's a suggestion: Just give the Sixth Man of the Year trophy to Tyler Herro already.
The high-scoring guard had another stellar performance off the bench on Tuesday night, leading the Miami Heat to a 144-115 drubbing of the Charlotte Hornets. Herro scored a career-high 35 points in 34 minutes. He shot an efficient 11-of-18 from the floor, including 6-of-10 three-pointers, and added six rebounds and three assists.
Herro also tied Heat legend Dwyane Wade for a piece of team history. They now co-own the most points scored off the bench by any Heat player in a single game, according to NBA on ESPN.
After an underwhelming third season, with some observers noting that his celebrity status got into his head too much, the 22-year-old Herro vowed to bounce back this season. And that he did. NBA on ESPN also noted that in the 14 30-point games off the bench in Heat history, Herro owns nine of them.
The former Kentucky standout is primed to take home the Sixth Man of the Year plum with his flamethrowing exploits with the Heat's second unit. He has helped the team atop the Eastern Conference, improving to 52-28 after their win over the Hornets.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has praised Herro all season and the prolific shooter has repaid him with more-than-valuable contributions, embracing his role to the letter.
The Heat will get a two-day rest before closing out their regular season against the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic on Friday and Sunday, respectively.