Heat notes: Butler, Rozier, Jaquez, Richardson, Ware, Burks, Herro

After missing four games due to a sprained ankle, Heat star Jimmy Butler had his best game of the fall in his return to action Monday, recording season-highs in points (30) and rebounds (10) as Miami outscored Philadelphia by 29 points in his 34 minutes of action.

However, Butler may not get an opportunity to build on that momentum when the team resumes its schedule on Sunday vs. Dallas after a five-day break. The veteran forward is listed as doubtful to play against the Mavericks due to an illness, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.

While Butler’s status is up in the air, there is good news elsewhere in the Heat’s injury report, according to Chiang, who says Terry Rozier (right foot discomfort) and Jaime Jaquez (sprained right ankle) are both expected to play on Sunday. Rozier is listed as probable, while Jaquez is considered available. Josh Richardsonwho missed Thursday’s practice due to heel pain, is also not on the injury report and should be good to go.

Here’s more from Miami:

• Should Heat regret draft Kel’el Ware with choice no. 15 in this year’s draft, granted Jared McCain (No. 16) and Dalton Knecht (No. 17) have been the most impressive rookies in the NBA so far this season? Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel ponders that question and explains the thinking behind Miami’s selection of Ware. It’s possible the decision to select Ware will be a draft day regret reminiscent of when the Heat took Noble Achiuwa a place in front Tyrese Maxey in 2020, Winderman acknowledges. However, he emphasizes that it is far too early to pass judgment on the 20-year-old center, who has only logged 48 minutes across eight outings.
• Alec Burkswho is on his eighth NBA team, has seen his role fluctuate frequently in recent seasons, so he was unaffected by sitting out five straight games and then playing nearly 19 minutes in Monday’s win over the Sixers, who Winderman details for The Sun Sentinel. Burks was a plus-27 with seven points, six rebounds and three assists in his return to the rotation. “He’s such a great example for young players coming in to always be ready, be prepared, understand what the system is and understand how you can bring value,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “And then don’t get caught up in all the emotional swings that maybe your playing time doesn’t go quite the way you want it to or when you don’t get the offensive opportunities you want. … He’s a pro’s pro. And it is often thrown around, but when you actually experience it and see it, you really appreciate it.”
• Tyler Hero‘s 24.2 points and 5.2 assists per game are career highs. Perhaps more importantly, his 48.6% field goal percentage and 45.2% three-point percentage, both of which are well above his career rates. Herro’s scoring efficiency has been “a really big thing” for him and the Heat, according to Spoelstra. “You always want to get to a place like this as a player where you’re playing such efficient basketball that there’s an energy economy happening at the same time.” The Heat head coach said, per Chiang. “He doesn’t force it, he doesn’t like to put too much energy into doing it. He just reads the game, reads defenses. He has a confidence level that continues to grow every year, so he knows what he can do, he know how he can help us.”