Miami Heat rookie wing Pelle Larsson is earning early praise from his head coach, Erik Spoelstra. It’s only been one game, but the No.44 draft pick put on a spectacular debut on Tuesday night in Miami’s opening preseason game. Spoelstra directed some positivity Larsson’s way during the week, expressing how impressed he is with his first-year player’s debut.
Miami Draft Pick Pelle Larsson Impressing Erik Spoelstra in Preseason
Erik Spoelstra Has Nothing But Good Things to Say about Pelle Larsson
The Heat played their first preseason game in Charlotte this past Tuesday, resulting in a 111-108 loss to the Hornets. The loss, however, did not diminish Spoelstra’s first-look impressions of Pelle Larsson, whom the Heat drafted in the first round back in June. The rookie put up 10 points, two assists, and a steal in 16 minutes. The 23-year-old Swedish native out of Arizona did not disappoint in his first NBA action, so says his head coach. Spoelstra lauded the rookie for his potential to fit within Miami’s style of play and culture.
“He’s as advertised,” Spoelstra said of Larsson. “I think that’s what is so interesting about the draft process for all the different teams. Each team has their own philosophy, each team values different things. He’s an elite role player. If you mention that to some organizations, they probably think that that’s horrible. I think it fits absolutely with our style of play, our culture, how we view players and how they impact winning.”
What Pelle Larsson Adds to the Heat
The Heat are already one of the more physical teams in the NBA, plus they have a few players who are fully capable of guarding multiple positions. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler are two of those said players. Bam is the league’s most versatile defender and has experience guarding every position on the court. While Butler has played several positions in his career. Guarding multiple positions doesn’t stir with Miami’s stars, either. Jaimie Jaquez Jr. showed in his rookie season he could also take on varying positions, and he seems to manage quite well if you follow the Heat closely. According to Spoelstra, Larsson fits this mold perfectly for Miami—guarding multiple positions, that is.
Miami’s rookie wing showed physicality and the ability to go up against multiple positions, adding much value to his stock as a role player for the Heat. These elements are those that Spoelstra can reach into his bag and pull from the bench if needed during the season.
“He knows how to defend multiple positions, he brings you physicality on that side of the floor. Offensively, he moves very well without the ball, so he could be a connector with whatever unit he plays. And also, he’s been really working diligently on his shooting.”
Larsson’s Best Bet to Earn Minutes
The Heat roster is coming into this season at full strength; no injuries, no rehabbing, but healthy. Butler, Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson are all good to go. With Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Haywood Highsmith also garnering consistent minutes, Pelle might find himself at the end of the bench for a while. However, that does not mean he’ll stay there.
Erik Spoelstra is already seeing good things from the rookie and is showing confidence in his play. Larsson needs to keep showing up, working hard, and playing to his strengths. At that rate, he will see action. Can he persuade his coach to sub him in more consistently? Time will tell. Still, all signs show Pelle Larsson is where he belongs. The great thing for him is he’s with an organization that believes and prides itself on player development.
