As the Miami Heat emerged as champions from the NBA Summer League, the team’s rookies played a key part in the tournament, as draft picks Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson impressed. Where they will stand to begin the season and how big their roles will be remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Miami has to be satisfied with its draft class so far.
Miami’s Draft Picks Impress In Victorious Summer League
Miami’s Draft Picks Relish In Summer Success
The Miami Heat Summer League squad is fresh off their tournament championship in Las Vegas. The Heat beat the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime to take it all with a 120-118, wrapping up a successful Vegas outing as the NBA offseason roles on. What was much to the enjoyment of the Heat organization was the play of Ware and Larsson. Picked at the 15th and 44th overall picks, Ware and Larsson shined and showed signs that Miami did right in the draft.
Going undefeated in Vegas, Ware averaged 18 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. He exceeded 20 points in two games. Larsson also showed his skill and even a little clutchness, nailing the game-winner to beat the Grizzlies in the final game. Overall, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He scored 21 points in the semi-final game against the Golden State Warriors.
Kel’el Ware
Ware impressed on both ends of the floor. He showed he could score the basketball using his size and strength. Additionally, Ware worked hard on the defensive end, as his paint presence was a highlight throughout the Summer League tournament. His ability to get up for rebounds and block effectively might have proved enough to Pat Riley and the Heat coaching staff that developing their young draft pick into a player who can support Bam Adebayo is in the cards.
An added bonus? Ware seems unafraid to shoot from long distance. Big men shooting threes is only becoming more common in today’s NBA. After going 30 percent from three on 1.7 attempts per game in Summer League, Miami might encourage him to keep shooting. Adebayo was granted that same encouragement toward the close of last season and going into next season. Shoot more from three, coach Spo says.
Coming out of Indiana at 7 feet, the looming big man is still a rookie, nonetheless. Development will be a huge factor during the upcoming 2024-25 regular season. However, judging by what Ware has laid on the table thus far, the potential and skill set are undeniably there. Miami’s first-round draft pick may find playing time this season and grow into an impact player for the Heat.
Pelle Larsson
If knocking down a game-winning shot to secure a championship has any stock, Pelle Larsson did his part. His big game in the win against the Warriors that propelled them to the final match against Memphis was a great display of Larsson’s shooting and mentality.
Larsson’s situation differs from that of Kel’el Ware due to the number of players in Larsson’s position already on the Heat. Duncan Robinson, Alec Burks, and Josh Richardson should all enter the upcoming season ahead of Larsson on the depth chart. Robinson isn’t losing his roster spot any time soon, and it’s safe to say that Miami didn’t sign Burks to play ‘end of the bench’ minutes. The team will expect him to produce and play big minutes, even if they’re off-the-bench minutes. Richardson might be the wildcard here and could be Larsson’s really only competition.
Nevertheless, the rookie draft pick out of Arizona will have to earn his reps, and the best way to do that is to do what he has done thus far—make timely shots and knock them down.
Potential Will Be Met With Development
Whatever roles Miami’s rookies Ware and Larsson play next season, their Summer League performances have shown their potential. Earning minutes is always a mountain to scale for most first-year rookies. Landing in Miami, though, these rookies have found themselves in development heaven. Miami fans should look forward to the players Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson can become.
