Miami lacks a true superstar, with Bam Adebayo rated only 30th in 2K26. Pelle Larsson emerged as a promising young contributor after a breakout summer and appears set for an expanded role in 2025-26. Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Larsson's toughness, winning plays, role versatility, and work ethic, and expressed interest in his ball-handling capabilities. Larsson was the 44th overall pick in 2024, played 55 games averaging 14 minutes, and posted a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. Larsson averaged over 17 points in Summer League, recorded a 24-point, six-assist finale, and attacked the rim to draw numerous free throws.
"What he does is the things that we value. He's so tough. He makes winning plays. He's a great role player. He fits around guys, the best players. And he will continue to get better, because he has a great work ethic." According to Winderman, too, Spoelstra has been intrigued by whether or not Larsson can handle ball-handling duties. Larsson didn't come to Miami with much fanfare. He was the 44th overall draft pick in 2024 and appeared in 55 games last year, averaging 14 minutes a night.
But then this summer, Larsson popped off during Summer League, averaging over 17 points, including 24 points and six assists in his finale against the Celtics. Perhaps just as important, Larsson wasn't afraid to attack the rim this summer and had at least eight free-throw attempts in four of the five summer games he appeared in. For a Heat squad that was near the bottom of the NBA in free throws attempted last year, that's the type of play Miami could use in 2025-26.
The Miami Heat continue to be a squad that hopes its collection of young talent can overcome the lack of a true superstar. While not a perfect representation of real life, the highest-rated player the Heat have in 2K26, Bam Adebayo, is actually the 30th highest-rated player in the game. One player emblematic of the hope Miami has that its youth movement is going to pay off is Pelle Larsson, and after a massive summer, he is in line for an even bigger role in 2025-26.
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