Tyler Herro is stronger. Will he be better?

A year ago today, Tyler Herro scored 37 points in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals to lift the Miami Heat to a 3-1 series lead over the Boston Celtics. That moment was the zenith of Herro’s NBA career.

Goran Dragic’s injury forced Tyler Herro into a starting role in the NBA Finals, where he struggled. And the Heat’s 2019 first-round pick suffered nagging injuries last year and lost his last year to Kendrick Nunn.

Now heading into his third NBA season, Herro doesn’t have Goran Dragic or Nunn in the backcourt with him. Victor Oladipo will be out to start the season. As I’ve said before, Herro is the clear sixth man on this roster. Is he up for the task?

Like Oladipo, Herro has posted photos and videos to his Instagram account showcasing his workouts.

Heat strength and conditioning coach Bill Foran, who is retiring after 33 years with Miami, said that Herro’s “body is transformed. He will be a much better athlete” during a phone interview with the Miami Herald. Foran said that Herro has gained 10 pounds and will be able to defend and fight through screens at a better level.

Herro’s strength should help him be a better player on both ends of the floor. Hopefully, he’ll hold his ground against opposing shooting guards and finish in traffic at a higher clip. But a lot will come down to hitting shots. Herro’s 3-point percentage dipped from 38.9 his rookie season to 36 percent last year. If he gets that percentage hovering around 40 percent — and Herro’s added muscle helps him become a more complete player — Miami will be in good shape.