The Miami Heat are one franchise who have drafted pretty well throughout the 2020s. Some players such as Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware and Nikola Jovic have blossomed into strong players in the rotation. However, there is one player who was recently drafted and may not be getting the credit he deserves.
Bleacher Report released an article, highlighting one hidden gem from every NBA team. The Heat's representative is 2024 second-round pick Pelle Larsson.
"The Miami Heat are one of the best organizations at developing talent," the article wrote. "Pelle Larsson, the 44th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is their latest success story. A 6'5' guard, Larsson has improved nearly every aspect of his game in Year 2, becoming a mainstay in Miami's starting lineup. In 32 starts, Larsson is averaging 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shooting 52.6 percent overall in 27.3 minutes. With Tyler Herro limited to just 11 total games all season due to injury, Larsson has stepped up to help keep the Heat above .500."
Larsson slipped to the second round of the 2024 NBA draft and has performed admirably in his role with the team over the past season and a half. The Heat's backcourt has been out of flux this season with Terry Rozier's arrest and Tyler Herro's injury concerns. Rozier has basically missed the entire season after being arrested for gambling charges. Last season, he regressed and lost his role as a starter while Herro broke out and was named an All-Star. This season, Herro has only played in 13 games after missing the first month due to ankle surgery recovery and has missed the last month due to a rib injury.
Larsson began the season as one of the lower guards in the rotation. Last season, he averaged 4.6 points while playing in 55 games and starting eight of those. He has improved in almost every statistical category except for his three-point percentage. However, he is taking many more field goal attempts.
When Herro returns, Larsson will presumably return to a role off the bench but if he keeps up these strong performances, he could earn himself more minutes in the rotation as the team fights for a playoff spot.
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