Bam Adebayo explains the “edge” Tyler Hero had in return from a rib injury

With The Miami Heat are looking to make an impact after the All-Star breakthe team got off to an explosive start with a 128-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks, with a key piece of the puzzle returning. As Heat star Tyler Hero returned to practice Thursday after missing the last 15 gameshe returned on Friday night, causing an immediate impact that caught the captain’s attention Bam Adebayo.

It’s been a frustrating season for Hero to say the least as, apart from missing the last 15 contests, he’s been absent for 45 of the 57 games played so far. Coming off the bench in the win in Atlanta, he led the team with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field, 2-of-4 from deep, along with four rebounds and three assists.

For Adebayo, who had 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists, it’s not surprising to see Hero make an impact in Miami, but he felt the guard has “edge” to him.

“We know what Tyler can do — it’s not shocking … but I feel like he had an edge in him today and he showed it,” Adebayo said, via a team video posted by HeatCulture on X, formerly Twitter.

Bam Adebayo on Tyler Hero’s return:

“We know what Tyler can do – it’s not shocking … but I feel like he had an edge in him today and it showed.”

24 points in 23 minutes from Herro😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/6EOI01Hr19

— ღამარი (@VadekFlash) February 21, 2026

This is the 11th game that Herro has played this season, which he was “encouraging” a sign to see, as the head coach reiterated Erik Spoelstra.

“That was definitely encouraging,” Spoelstra said. “Obviously, this has been a unique season for him. We know how competitive he is; we know how much he wants to be out there. But those are things you can’t control. But we’ve never lost sight of the talent he brings. He changes our dynamic quite a bit.”

Heat’s Tyler Hero speaks out on his return from a rib injury

While it is The Heat are looking to turn their season around after staying close to a .500 record and an eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference, Hero’s involvement may show the full extent of what this team is really about. Ultimately, Hero’s health is paramount to the ceiling this team can reach.

“He felt great,” Herro said. “In the end, just being there was what was amazing. Being there with my teammates, playing in the game and being able to go through my routine again. It felt good.”

The focus now shifts to what his role in the game will look like, whether he will continue to come off the bench or return to the starting line-up. After missing 13 games with a toe injury, Spoelstra would force him off the bench in a Jan. 6 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but would return to the starting lineup afterward.

“Right now we’re just trying to get him out there,” Spoelstra said. “We’ll manage the minutes. I’m not exaggerating, I’m not setting anything in stone, I don’t have a time frame for anything.”

It remains to be seen, but the answer will be revealed quickly when Miami takes on the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.