Heat icon Udonis Haslem gave guard Pelle Larsson some inspirational words before he went on to become a hero for the Miami Heat in Summer League.
The three-time champion’s remarks “really hit home with me,” according to Larsson, the No. 44 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, when Haslem spoke to Miami’s Summer League squad on July 16.
After Haslem’s lecture, Larsson’s summer performance took a turn for the better. Over his final four games, he averaged 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from outside the arc.
Larsson’s performance was a significant change from his first four games of the summer, when he averaged 7.5 points per game and shot just 35.5 percent from the field and 20.0 percent from three.
It’s obvious that the second-round selection clicked when Haslem spoke to the team. In a brief period of time during the summer, Larsson’s game-winning shot to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies and win the Summer League championship in Las Vegas was the culmination of his game-changing progress.
After completing the game with seven field goals and two three-pointers, Larsson finished with sixteen points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in the victory. Josh Christopher (24 points), Kel’el Ware (21 points), Cole Swider (19 points), and Alondes Williams (21 points) were the other four Heat players who scored in double figures.
The fact that the Heat signed Larsson to a normal three-year contract this offseason shows how highly they regard him. Larsson, who recently finished an incredible senior year at the University of Arizona, is determined to prove to the NBA’s scouts that he is more than just a scorer.
“If you simply look at the numbers and you see 40 percent from three, I think there might be a misconception,” Larsson remarked. “However, if you actually study the games and the film, you can see that my strength is just playing within the team and being a well-rounded defender both on and off the ball. They will find you for open shots if you play with other talented players on the team, and you will benefit from that alone.
Larsson shot 42.6 percent from beyond the arc and 51.9 percent from the field in 2023–24, averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
The Heat have struggled with guard injuries in recent years, particularly since Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro both missed time during the 2023–24 season.
Larsson might be able to secure a regular position with the Heat if it occurs once more, particularly if he keeps heeding Haslem’s counsel.
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