Pelle Larsson will play for Sweden at EuroBasket next week. He had a minimal role as a rookie but may compete for a rotation spot after Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith departures. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Larsson's toughness, winning plays, fit around top players, work ethic and character. Larsson excelled in Summer League, averaging 17.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 60.6 percent true shooting across five games. As a rookie he played 55 games, averaging 4.6 points in 14.2 minutes while providing strong defense, cutting and connective playmaking. Sweden went 1-4 in exhibitions and begins Group B play on Aug. 27.
Larsson, 24, was the Heat's best player throughout Summer League and will likely be in a primary creator role with Sweden. In five combined Summer League games, Larsson averaged 17.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 60.6 percent true shooting. The Arizona alum played in 55 games as a rookie, tallying just 4.6 points across 14.2 minutes. Though his impact went beyond the box score. As a rookie, he was an excellent defender, a heady cutter and a rock-solid connective playmaker.
"What [Pelle Larsson] does are the things that we value," Spoelstra said. "He's tough. He makes winning plays. He's a great role player. He fits around your best players. He will continue to get better because he has a great work ethic, and outside of that, he's just a great human being. "We like that balance of players who really know how to compete between those four lines, put it all out there to try and help your team win, but also be good people and get along with the other teammates. And he does that extremely well."
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