The challenges facing Heat coach Erik Spoelstra ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season seemed straightforward. Steep, sure, but most of the typical stuff: navigating around a void at point guard, forming this group's identity, helping rookie Kasparas Jakucionis find his way after a shaky summer, bringing the best back out of Bam Adebayo.
That was true until the injury bug hurled an unexpected curveball their way and sent Tyler Herro under the knife for surgery on his foot and ankle. Just like that, Spo and the Heat find themselves without their top offensive option, their lone 2024-25 All-Star, and arguably their best scorer, shooter, and playmaker.