Just In: Shocking Injury Update Turns Heads Before Heat’s Preseason Showdown with Hornets
He’s been a bit fragile,” Riley remarked during his end-of-season press conference. “He broke his hand in the playoffs last year and has faced injuries earlier in his career. No one works harder on his game; he puts in the effort in the weight room. But he may need to elevate his nutrition to manage his calorie intake better. He’s gotten stronger, but as the season wears on, that can diminish. Adjustments will be necessary.”
His significant injuries are real,” Riley added. “We’re just hoping he can play consistently throughout a 72- to 82-game season. Maybe one year, he’ll surprise us and play every game.”
Zachary Weinberger reports that Herro is focused on staying healthy this season, as Riley noted last May that he’s been “fragile” after appearing in just 42 games last year.
Jaquez, fresh off an impressive rookie season that earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, will miss the scrimmage and the first preseason game against the Hornets due to a left groin injury. This raises some concerns, given his history with similar injuries. Like Herro, he is listed as “day to day” and hopes to participate in the preseason to prepare for a standout sophomore year. Last season, Jaquez averaged 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and three assists per game, shooting 40.4% from the field and 32.2% from three.
Richardson will also miss the scrimmage and preseason opener as he continues to recover from a season-ending shoulder injury. He is undergoing rehab with hopes of making his regular-season debut, having averaged 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.
The Heat are aiming to find their rhythm after a productive training camp while hoping for quick recoveries for Herro, Jaquez, and Richardson. The first preseason game is on Tuesday, with the home opener on Thursday, Oct. 10, against the Atlanta Hawks, and the regular season begins on Oct. 23 against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center.
Zachary Weinberger is a credentialed Miami Heat reporter and Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, covering the NBA, NCAA Football, and NCAA Basketball. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022, where he reported on sports for the FAU University Press and later for The Palm Beach Post.
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