Here’s a bold statement: Tyler Herro’s ranking at No. 68 in ESPN’s NBA Rank 2025 is not just surprising—it’s downright baffling. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the sports world still sleeping on Herro’s undeniable talent and growth? Let’s dive in.
With the NBA season just around the corner, ESPN unveiled its highly anticipated list of the top 100 players for the 2025-26 season. Compiled by a panel of over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts, the rankings are meant to predict player contributions based on both quality and quantity. Sounds foolproof, right? For the most part, yes. Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Dončić claiming the top three spots feels spot-on. And this is the part most people miss: While the list gets a lot right, it’s the omissions and misplacements that spark the real debate.
Take Tyler Herro, for instance. Ranked 68th? Really? Let’s rewind. In the 2024 season, Herro averaged a career-high 23.9 points per game and 5.5 assists, all while stepping into the role of Miami’s primary option after Jimmy Butler III’s trade to Golden State. Oh, and did I mention he was an All-Star? Not just that—he also took home the Starry 3-Point Contest trophy, outdueling Buddy Hield in the finals. Herro played a career-high 77 games, proving his durability and consistency in a season where he was the guy for the Heat.
But Herro’s journey hasn’t been without its skeptics. Drafted 13th overall in 2019, he helped Miami reach the NBA Finals as a rookie and set a record for most points by a rookie in a conference finals game (37 against Boston). Yet, his success was often dismissed as a product of the NBA bubble, earning him the nickname “Bubble Boy.” Even after winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in his third season and averaging around 20 points per game in subsequent seasons, Herro’s growth was frequently overlooked. Here’s the kicker: Once given the keys to the team, he didn’t just meet expectations—he exceeded them, leading the Heat to the playoffs in a chaotic season.
So, why is he ranked 68th? Former NBA guard Jeff Teague echoed the frustration on the Club 520 Podcast, questioning how Herro could be ranked below players like Alex Caruso. Sure, Caruso was instrumental in Oklahoma City’s championship run, but is he a better overall player than Herro? Defensively, maybe. But the Heat without Herro is a far cry from the Thunder without Caruso. And don’t even get me started on Cooper Flagg, a rookie who’s yet to play an NBA game, being ranked 52nd. Is potential really worth more than proven performance?
Let’s not stop there. Players like Lu Dort (No. 64), Christian Braun (No. 62), and Draymond Green (No. 51) are ranked ahead of Herro, despite not matching his offensive output or impact. Even in the top 50, Herro’s skill set rivals—if not surpasses—players like Jamal Murray (No. 46), Darius Garland (No. 38), and De’Aaron Fox (No. 35). Murray and Garland had similar scoring averages, but Herro did it as the undisputed leader of his team. Fox? He played just 17 games last season.
Look, rankings are subjective, and predicting future performance is an inexact science. But Herro’s consistent improvement and his ability to thrive under pressure make his low ranking feel like a snub. Is it disrespectful? Or is the NBA world still underestimating him?
The Heat’s 2025 season tips off on October 22 against the Orlando Magic, with Herro likely returning in November after ankle surgery. Will he prove the doubters wrong once again? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Tyler Herro deserves more credit than he’s getting. What do you think? Is Herro’s ranking fair, or is ESPN missing the mark? Let’s debate in the comments.
