The Miami Heat are off to a great start this season, currently sitting with a 2-1 record. They’ve been playing fast, which was the message from the team since training camp. In the first three games of the season, the Heat have recorded a pace rate of over 100, something that was only accomplished four times last season.

Erik Spoelstra is establishing a new identity with this relatively new group. However, they’re accomplishing this without All-Star guard Tyler Herro. He’s been sidelined after undergoing offseason surgery on his left ankle. The decision came in mid-September after they attempted to address the injury with other medical treatments; however, the results did not go as they wished.

Last season, Herro took a massive leap, averaging 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while shooting 47.2 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range in 77 appearances. He was the biggest spark for the team, given the whole Jimmy Butler contract drama. However, it’s worth noting that since Herro was drafted in 2019, the Heat have finished bottom five in the league in pace.

Playing fast is a whole new style for the Heat, so it will be interesting how the 25-year-old can adjust on the fly.

Assuming Spoesltra inserts Herro in the starting lineup immediately, either Davion Mitchell or Norman Powell will slide back into a reserve role. It’s more about comfort and chemistry than egos.

When asking Spoelstra about Herro fitting in with the new and faster offense, he responded with confidence in his abilities.

“When we get there, he’ll be just fine,” he said. “Whatever we do, his skill level, all of his offensive talents that he’s been developing the last few years, that’s going to amplify what we do.”

Herro emerged as a combo guard last season, being able to score and facilitate for his teammates. That brings more offense for the Heat, who currently average the fifth-highest points per game in the league, 127.3. Also, along with playing faster, ball movement has been instrumental in the team’s success so far this season. Herro was very ball-dominant last year, having the highest usage percentage of 27.1.

It’s a whole new team and a drastically different identity, which Herro hasn’t gotten the chance to get acclimated to due to surgical recovery. The Heat have not updated how soon he might return to the court, but it will be a quick learning point for him once he’s ready.