Pelle Larsson: ‘You never know if you’re gonna have a big night or not’

Miami Heat rookie Pelle Larsson is quietly establishing himself as one of the most efficient and reliable players among rookies this season. Despite inconsistent playing time and being thrust into action out of necessity due to injuries within the …

Miami Heat rookie Pelle Larsson is quietly establishing himself as one of the most efficient and reliable players among rookies this season. Despite inconsistent playing time and being thrust into action out of necessity due to injuries within the rotation, Larsson has made the most of his opportunities. The Swedish swingman, a product of the University of Arizona, is emerging as a trusted rotational piece under Erik Spoelstra’s system, positioning himself among the league’s most effective rookies.

So far this season, Larsson is averaging 15.7 minutes, 5.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting a blistering 58.8 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.

His offensive efficiency is where he truly shines. With an impressive 67.7 percent effective field goal percentage, he ranks in the 95th percentile among wings, driven by his precision on non-corner three-pointers and strong finishing around the rim. His points scored per shot attempt (PSA) of 131.6 is elite for his position, which demonstrates his knack for capitalizing on scoring chances with minimal wasted possessions.

Larsson spoke this week with HoopsHype about his season with the Miami Heat.

Pelle Larsson sends Heat to summer league title with game-winning shot

Pelle Larsson finished in double figures and hit the game-winning shot in overtime to send the Heat to the summer league championship.

Pelle Larsson finished in double figures and hit the game-winning shot in overtime to send the Miami Heat to the NBA Summer League championship on Monday.

Larsson produced 16 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in the 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Las Vegas, Nevada. He went 7-of-9 from the field, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range, in 20 minutes.

The 44th pick scored four points in overtime, including the go-ahead shot in the paint to lift the Heat to the target score of 120 points, which is the format used in summer league. The team then immediately hit the court in celebration of winning the title.

Larsson finished summer league by averaging 10.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals in nine appearances between San Francisco and Las Vegas. He shot 44.4% from the field, including 36.2% from 3-point range on 22 attempts.

The 23-year-old wrapped up his summer with four consecutive games in double figures, including a 21-point effort on Sunday. He looked increasingly comfortable in each game and displayed his scoring, versatility and feel as he progressed through the schedule.

Larsson projects to have the opportunity to compete for rotation minutes in training camp. The team liked his addition to the roster and has high hopes for him this year and beyond.

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Report: No. 44 pick Pelle Larsson inks 3-year contract with Heat

Former Arizona guard Pelle Larsson, the 44th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed a contract with the Heat on Tuesday.

Former Arizona guard Pelle Larsson, the 44th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed a contract with the Miami Heat on Tuesday, the team announced.

Larsson, who was born in Sweden, reportedly agreed to sign a three-year, $5.4 million contract, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The contract is fully guaranteed in the first year and has a significant guarantee in the second year. The team has an option in the last year.

Prior to inking Larsson to a contract, the Heat signed first-round pick Kel’el Ware on Monday. They also announced that Keshad Johnson, Zyon Pullin and Dru Smith were signed to two-way contracts.

Larsson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team after averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 42.6% shooting from 3-point range as a senior. He scored in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on Feb. 8.

The 6-foot-6 guard became the 55th player in program history to score 1,000 career points after three years (1,073). He is one of seven players in the country since the 1996-97 season to record at least 1,200 points, 500 rebounds and 100 steals on 49% shooting from the field.

Larsson is expected to suit up for the Heat in summer league, which begins on Saturday with the California Classic. He will likely be joined by Ware, Johnson, Pullin and Smith, among others.

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Pelle Larsson: NBA draft scouting report and intel

2001 | 6’6 | 215 LBS Team: Arizona Agent: Daniel Poneman Best aggregate mock draft rank : 39 / Worst rank: NR 2023-24 stats: In 2023-24, Larsson averaged 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game. He shot 51.9 …

2001 | 6’6 | 215 LBS

Team: Arizona

Agent: Daniel Poneman

Best aggregate mock draft rank: 39 / Worst rank: NR

2023-24 stats:

In 2023-24, Larsson averaged 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game. He shot 51.9 percent from the field, 42.6 percent from three, and 75.0 percent from the foul line.

Warriors land Arizona Wildcats forward in second round of NBA mock draft

Larsson averaged 12.8 points on 51.9% shooting with 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 36 games with the Arizona Wildcats last season.

While the NFL draft is taking center stage in the sports world this week, it’s never too early to look ahead to the NBA draft. With the Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 season already wrapped up, Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy Jr. will have extra time to prepare for June’s draft.

Despite having a head start on draft preparation, the Warriors still have only one second-round pick in the back half of the second round, although that could change when the offseason gets underway.

In the latest NBA mock draft from Sports Illustrated’s Draft Digest, the Warriors added a forward from the Arizona Wildcats in the second round. With the No. 53 pick in the mock draft, Draft Digest sent Arizona’s Pelle Larsson to the Warriors.

Read the full mock draft via Sports Illustrated’s Draft Digest here.

The Swedish 23-year-old played two seasons in the Pac-12, one season with the Utah Utes and one season with the Arizona Wildcats. On the way to earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors, Larsson averaged 12.8 points on 51.9% shooting from the field with 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 36 games.

Larsson notched a season-high 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field to go along with eight assists and seven boards in a win against his former team, Utah. Larsson scored 21 of more points in four different games in his final season in Tuscon.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X

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Report: All-Pac-12 guard Pelle Larsson to forgo eligibility after declaring for NBA draft

Larsson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team after averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Arizona senior Pelle Larsson will reportedly forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Larsson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team after averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 42.6% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games. He scored in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on Feb. 8.

The 6-foot-6 guard became the 55th player in program history to score 1,000 career points after three years (1,073). He is one of seven players in the country since the 1996-97 season to record at least 1,200 points, 500 rebounds and 100 steals on 49% shooting from the field.

Larsson, who was born in Sweden, began playing professional basketball at 16 years old. He played one season each with RIG Lulea and BC Lulea in the Swedish Basketball League before joining Utah as a freshman for the 2020-21 season.

The 23-year-old has represented Sweden at the junior several times and once at the senior level, most recently in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup European qualifiers. He averaged 6.3 points and two rebounds in four appearances.

Larsson is considered a potential second-round pick in the draft this year, given his ability to affect games in a variety of ways. He can score at each level and is highly touted for his vision, acting as a connector on offense at times.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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