Tyler Herro has won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, the league announced Tuesday.
The Heat guard received 96 out of a possible 100 first place votes to easily capture the award over fellow finalists Kevin Love and Cameron Johnson. Herro came off the bench in 56 of his 66 games on the season, posting a 20.7pts/5reb/4ast statline for the year.
The 22 year old former Kentucky Wildcat becomes the first Heat player to earn the distinction in franchise history. He also becomes only the 5th player in league history to average 20 or more points off the bench after appearing in at least 50 games. Herro joins Lou Williams, Ricky Pierce, Thurl Bailey and Eddie Johnson as the only players to accomplish the feat.
Originally selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Herro set career highs in virtually every measurable stat during the 2021-22 season including: points, assists, rebounds, 3 point %, FG%, and minutes per game.
The 6’5” shooting guard scored 30 or more points on 8 separate occasions this year, as his team clinched the number one seed in the East with a 53-29 record. His 1,162pts off the bench also set a new single season Heat franchise record.
Herro was presented with a special NBA 75th anniversary trophy today and will receive his Sixth Man of the Year award at a ceremony on a later date. The Miami Heat continue their 2nd round series with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday at 7:30pm ET.