NY Knicks: Tyler Herro praises Kenny Payne’s role in development
New York Knicks assistant Kenny Payne continues to draw praise for his work as a mentor.
Miami Heat rookie guard Tyler Herro, who has turned into one of the NBA’s best stories this season, credits his former Kentucky coach and current New York Knicks assistant Kenny Payne as being key to his development.
Speaking to reporters via Zoom ahead of the 2020 NBA Finals in which his Heat team will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, Herro described Payne as a “father figure” who helped him become the player that he is today.
"“It’s tremendous for [Payne] and his coaching career,’’ Herro said on Zoom via the New York Post. “KP was like a father figure to me as far as just mentoring me when I was at Kentucky, and we still talk to this day, almost every day. He’s a great leader in his own way. He’s been around a lot of tremendous players, talented players who went to Kentucky who are obviously in the league now. He’s going to get on you hard. He’s a tough coach, and he’s going to coach you. He’s going to try to bring the best out of you. I’m really happy for him and happy that he got that job.’’"
Herro was drafted 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, several picks later than New York Knicks rookie RJ Barrett, who was selected with the third overall pick. Returns are too early to say which player will have a more productive NBA career, but if anything, Herro is showing the importance of playing for an organization dedicated to winning and developing proper habits.
After averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during the regular season, Herro has been even better in the playoffs, increasing his scoring to 16.5 per game and his true shooting percentage from 55 percent to nearly 60 percent from the field.
Herro’s breakout game came during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals when he poured in 37 points on an amazing 14-21 shooting night to help the Heat defeat the Celtics and take a commanding 3-1 series lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
For the Knicks, Herro is yet another example of a player who credits Payne for their development. However, it is interesting to hear from a guard, since Payne is best known for his work with big men, such as Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Knicks president Leon Rose hired Payne away from Kentucky – where he spent 10 seasons working with John Calipari – this summer.
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The Knicks are currently finishing up informal workouts in New York where Payne has been seen working closely with Kentucky alums Julius Randle and Kevin Knox.