Tyler Herro - Kentucky

Point Guard, 6’5, 195 lbs, 19 years old

46% FG%, 36% 3P%, 94% FT%

32.6 MIN 14.0 PTS 4.5 REB 2.5 AST 1.1 STL 1.6 TOV

If you could pick one area to blame the demise of the 2018-19 Utah Jazz season, it would be shooting/making open shots/shot creation (okay that’s like three areas, but you get the idea). When they needed it most against James Harden and the Rockets in the playoffs, the Jazz just simply could not make enough baskets. Could they find some scoring in the draft at pick number 23? Enter dynamic scoring wing, Tyler Herro.

Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

At pick number 23 in the draft, the Jazz might not find a better scoring option that Kentucky’s Tyler Herro. He might not be the best scorer in that range, but he is probably the most versatile and dynamic scorer in the non-lottery range. Herro played his college days at Kentucky surrounded by some pretty great athletes in PJ Washington and Keldon Johnson, who are both projected first round picks as well. Because he played with NBA-caliber players, Herro’s full scoring potential was never really needed nor utilized. This three-headed monster of Washington, Johnson and Herro was a balanced attack, with all three of them averaging around 10 FGA per game. Herro’s best game came against Arkansas on 2/26, when he scored 29 points on 9-10 shooting, including 4-4 from three. He also had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block.

Strengths

Herro’s scoring versatility is by far his best trait. You can see it in the game vs. Arkansas, the dude just scores from everywhere. He’s got a great three-point shot, and even though he shot a pretty modest 35 percent from three this year, he has the tools to become an elite shooter at the NBA level. He’s a great pull-up shooter, and can usually get to where he wants to go on the court in order to score, despite not being super athletic or quick off the dribble. He’s got pretty good size as a two-guard to be an “everywhere” scoring option. He’s a good rebounder for a guard, grabbed 13 rebounds in a game vs Tennessee on 2/16. Herro’s not afraid to shoot the big shots, as you might have seen in his game-winner against Houston to advance to the Elite 8.

Weaknesses

At the combine, Herro measured 6-4 without shoes with a wingspan of 6-3. Just looking at the numbers, it doesn’t look like he comes with the tools to be a great defender in the NBA. Like so many guys that come out of college as good scorers, Herro’s value and ceiling as a professional basketball player will be tied to his ability to stay on the floor and defend. On the offensive side, Herro might struggle to score off the dribble as easily as he did in college. With the length and lateral quickness of these wing defenders in today’s league, Herro might not have the explosiveness to get around these guys and get to where he wants to on the court. This places a heavier importance on his ability to become a an elite spot-up shooter, as well as keeping up his groove off of pull-up jumpers.

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Q&A with Jason Marcum of A Sea of Blue

I spoke with Jason Marcum from SB Nation’s Kentucky site A Sea of Blue. He has high hopes for Tyler Herro who he believes could be the best shooter in this 2019 Draft class.

What strengths of Tyler Herro will translate well to the NBA?

Herro is a great shooter who also became a great defender down the stretch for Kentucky. He can definitely end up being the best shooter to come out of this draft.

What weaknesses of Tyler will need to be improved in the NBA?

Herro doesn’t have an ideal frame for an NBA shooting guard, so he could get exposed defensively early in his pro career. He also gets too streaky with his shot, as evidenced by him hitting just three of his last 16 three-pointers at Kentucky.

What role do you see Tyler being in the NBA?

Ideally, Herro comes off the bench and is the offensive spark of the second unit as he adjusts to the speed of the NBA game. I think he’ll be a quality starting shooting guard by the time it’s time for his first extension.

Would you consider Utah a good landing spot for him?

Absolutely. They have enough depth on the perimeter and are great at developing young talent, so he can be eased along while being an offensive spark off the bench.