Miami Heat Select Pelle Larsson with the 44th Pick in the NBA Draft

The Miami Heat added more talent to their roster by selecting Pelle Larsson with the 44th pick in the second round of the NBA draft. Larsson, a Swedish guard, brings a modern skillset and considerable collegiate experience to the team.

Larsson’s college journey began at Utah, where he had a solid freshman season, starting in 18 of 25 games and averaging 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest. He transferred to Arizona for his sophomore year, but his transition was initially challenging, as he logged a career-low 20.7 minutes per game and started just twice in 37 appearances.

Despite the slow start at Arizona, Larsson found his stride in his junior year, starting 18 games and improving his statistics across the board. His senior year was his breakout season; he started all 36 games, averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 51.9% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range. These performances earned him a spot on the 2023-24 All-Pac 12 Second Team, highlighting his significant growth and impact.

Strengths

Standing 6-foot-5 with a strong frame, Larsson is well-equipped for the NBA, particularly on the defensive end. His athleticism and build allow him to be a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. However, his primary value lies in his offensive capabilities.

Larsson has developed into a reliable shooter, excelling in catch-and-shoot scenarios and off-ball movements. His senior year shooting percentages demonstrate his efficiency and consistency, making him a significant threat from beyond the arc. Larsson is also effective in pick-and-roll situations, both as a driver and a playmaker. His vision and ability to make precise passes to cutters and shooters enhance his role as a secondary ball-handler.

Defensive Potential

Defensively, Larsson’s size and footspeed enable him to guard both guards and wings. While he may not be a lockdown defender, his ability to understand positioning and his physicality can make him a valuable asset on that end of the floor.

Areas for Improvement

Larsson does have areas that need refinement. Despite his strong shooting numbers, his free throw percentage dropped to 75% in his senior year, which is an area he can improve. Additionally, at 23 years old, there is some concern how high Larsson’s ceiling is which means he will need to contribute immediately as his development window is shorter compared to younger prospects.


Another concern is his defensive footspeed, which could be a challenge when guarding quicker NBA players. Nevertheless, his overall skillset and readiness to contribute make him a valuable pick for the Heat.

Rollo’s Grade: B+

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