Pelle Larsson Proving He’s Worth the Long-Term Investment for the Heat
Pelle Larsson might not be the flashiest name on the Miami Heat roster, but his steady impact is becoming harder to ignore—and it’s making a strong case for the franchise to lock him in long-term.
As a rookie, Larsson appeared in 55 regular season games and three playoff contests, making the most of limited opportunities. When given the chance to start, he averaged a solid 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 “stocks” (steals + blocks), showing a well-rounded game that fits perfectly into Miami’s “positionless” system.
But the numbers go beyond the box score. The Heat outscored opponents by 3.36 points per 100 possessions when Larsson was on the floor, compared to being outscored by 1.24 points when he wasn’t. That swing is a testament to his impact as a glue guy—a label he also earned in college at Arizona, where he was the only player to log 1,200+ points, 500+ rebounds, 300+ assists, and 100+ steals while shooting 49% from the field and 39% from three across his career.
Even in what’s been statistically his worst shooting season, Larsson has put up respectable 45/34/69 splits. That’s a solid floor for a rookie navigating inconsistent minutes in a complex system under Erik Spoelstra. His versatility as a shooter, secondary defender, passer, and tertiary creator makes him a valuable long-term asset—especially on a team that thrives on high-IQ, two-way players.
Larsson’s partially guaranteed contract gives Miami flexibility, but the smart move is clear: bet on his development. He’s already shown poise, adaptability, and flashes of high-level play. If the Heat truly want to build for the future while maintaining their competitive edge, investing in Pelle Larsson is a move they can’t afford not to make.
