NBA Notes: Heat, Tyler Herro, Pelicans, Bryce McGowens, Bol Bol

Heat

Heat guard Tyler Herro confirmed Thursday that he fractured three ribs last month and said he’s finally feeling close to himself again.

“There’s not too much discomfort anymore compared to where I was three or four weeks ago,” Herro said, via Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. “I couldn’t even get out of bed. There was no way I could play basketball.”

Herro will return Friday in Atlanta after missing 15 games. Miami’s roster is as healthy as it has been all season, though Herro will wear a protective flak jacket under his jersey to shield the ribs, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

“I look like a football player almost out there,” Herro said. “Ultimately, I just want to feel safe.”

Pelicans

The Pelicans have converted two-way wing Bryce McGowens to a three-year standard contract, agents Kyle McAlarney and Mark Bartelstein told ESPN’s Shams Charania.

McGowens, 23, has averaged 7.9 points in nearly 20 minutes per game this season, shooting 48 percent from the field and better than 45 percent from three. The former second-round pick had remaining two-way eligibility, but New Orleans elected to secure him now with an open roster spot.

The move opens a two-way slot alongside Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson.

International

Former NBA big men Bol Bol and Kylor Kelley are headed to the Philippine Basketball Association’s Commissioner’s Cup, per The Stein Line’s Marc Stein.

Bol will suit up for TNT Tropang 5G after appearing in 36 games last season for the Suns. Kelley joins the Converge FiberXers after spending time on two-way and 10-day deals with the Mavericks and Pelicans.

The Commissioner’s Cup tips off next month.