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The Milwaukee Bucks have stumbled out of the gate, posting a 1-4 record in their first five games following an offseason that dramatically reshaped the franchise. Yet, among the early disappointments, Tyler Herro has emerged as a reason for optimism.
Acquired as a centerpiece in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, Herro has quickly made his presence felt. The 27-year-old guard is putting up 23 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest while connecting on 47% of his three-point attempts on high volume. What stands out is his efficiency despite shouldering a heavy shot-creation burden.
Elite Efficiency on Pull-Ups
Through five games, Herro leads the NBA in efficiency among high-volume pull-up shooters, boasting a remarkable 77.3% effective field goal percentage on 6.6 pull-up attempts per game. Such a figure is extraordinary for a player taking that many shots off the dribble, especially when opposing defenses are keyed in on him as one of Milwaukee's primary scoring threats.
Herro has long been known for his ability to heat up from beyond the arc, but his all-around offensive game often flies under the radar. He excels at creating separation, can score from all three levels, and doesn't rely on others to generate his offense. Those traits have been on full display early in his Bucks tenure.
While it's unrealistic to expect him to maintain this shooting pace over the entire season, there's a clear difference between a hot streak and a proven track record of converting tough shots. Herro has been doing exactly that for years, and now he's being asked to take on even more responsibility.
Bucks' Woes Not on Herro
Milwaukee's losing record is undeniably concerning, and the team has struggled to find consistency. However, it's still early to draw sweeping conclusions about a roster that was essentially rebuilt over the summer. The Bucks are asking several players, including young pieces like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel'el Ware, to adapt to new roles. Some rough nights are inevitable, and a few have already occurred.
Through it all, Herro has been a steadying force. He's carrying a significant scoring load, making difficult shots, and providing Milwaukee with a trustworthy option when the offense bogs down. The next step is translating those individual numbers into team success. The Bucks need more contributions from the rest of the roster, particularly on the defensive end, and Herro must continue to involve his teammates as the group builds chemistry.
This could be a challenging season for Milwaukee, and the first five games suggest they may struggle for much of it. Nevertheless, the Bucks should feel genuinely encouraged by what they've seen from Herro. At 27 and still in his prime, if he can sustain this level of scoring, he could become a vital building block for the franchise's future.