Pelle Larsson looked to be the only player on the Miami Heat willing to play hard basketball in a recent loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
For the better part of a decade, the Miami Heat have leaned into their “Heat Culture” mantra, declaring themselves “The Hardest Working, Best Conditioned, Most Professional, Unselfish, Toughest, Meanest, Nastiest Team in the NBA.”
However, during their multiple successful stints in the 21st century, they had a true superstar to take over when needed. Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Jimmy Butler all had their fair share of moments.
After the trade deadline, the Heat still have three All-Stars on their roster, although neither Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, nor Andrew Wiggins are capable of leading a team through–or even to–the NBA playoff gauntlet.
As the Heat rebuild, they are expected to get back to their core identity and draft hustle players and turn them into stars. This season, they have two rookies who fit the bill.
While rookie Ke’el Ware has impressed, Pelle Larsson has been a bit overlooked. Drafted 44th overall by the Houston Rockets and then traded to the Heat, he is averaging 3.9 points and 1.5 rebounds this season.
During March 12’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Larsson fought until the last minute, finishing with ten points in a rare 28-minute outing.
“We need more guys like that,” said Herro of Larsson’s effort. “Everyone felt Pelle tonight, with his inspirational hustle plays, and defensively, being everywhere. That’s what we need. If we can get all five guys playing like that, that’ll help, but he just got to continue to fight and give more, more, more to each other and to the team.”
If the Heat rebuild, Larsson has shown flashes of being a high-level player and could be a central piece of the future, especially if he can build on games like that.
While Herro is practically begging for Larsson to play a larger role, the rookie understands that Miami is still trying to win, not develop their end-of-bench talent, despite the promise he is oozing.
“I think our bench is full of energy, and I think a lot of games we’ve come in and helped the team that way,” said Larsson. “It’s really important for us because our starters are carrying heavy loads, and to help them and take some responsibility off and bring some energy, it’s what we’re trying to do.”
Larsson has played 20 or more minutes in only seven games this season, and the Heat have lost five of them. However, the rookies in Miami are playing better than expected.
In terms of points per game, VORP, and win shares, both Larsson and Ware rank higher than their respective draft position and could play large roles for the Heat moving forward, especially if Miami continues to have developmental success.
