Erik Spoelstra exclaims Pele Larsson’s “versatility” as new starter

ByNBAUSA


MIAMI – I’m looking on the Miami Heat’s win over the Charlotte Hornetsmany players stood out from the rest, especially in the absence of their captain, Bam Adebayo. As it is The star in Adebayo continues to miss time with a toe injuryone player who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup recently is Pele Larsson, who has received praise from the head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Larson started the last six games for the team, though he only logged 17 minutes in the first three games of the season, where he averaged 11.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 56.8 percent from the field. In addition to shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, Larson was the perfect player to complement players like Norman PowellAndrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell and Kel’el Ware.

In the win over the Hornets, Larson scored 19 points on eight of his 11 shots from the field, contributing to the offense in a way that doesn’t require the 24-year-old to capitalize on the opportunity. Spoelstra would explain to ClutchPoints how Larsson has “versatility of composition.”

“I think that’s a great skill that he has. He can fit into any lineup,” Spoelstra said. “So that kind of lineup versatility, you can plug in and play … but you feel completely comfortable as a coach, throwing him into the starting lineup, even though he hasn’t been in the rotation or can really step up the second unit.”

“He can step up middle units in the second quarter,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, we have depth, and that’s something we want to lean on. But the two-way game really helps us. He’s going to continue to improve with his offensive skills. But I just like the fact that he complements a lot of different lineups.”

Heat’s Pelle Larsson on his entry into the starting lineup

Miami Heat guard Pele Larson (9) reacts after scoring against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of an NBA Cup game at the Cassia Center.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

With Heat is a new and improved offense, operating a faster style, relying less on the pick-and-roll and more on a free-flow philosophy, Larsson bought into the system 100 percent.

While Larson has been the perfect piece around the stars in the starting lineup offensively, he also provides defensive intensity. One that fits the physicality that Miami thrives on, as it’s a common sight to see him put his body on the line for a turnover or try to force an offensive foul from the opposition.

Whatever the role, Larson would say after Friday’s game that there isn’t much of a difference other than the extended minutes.

“No, I mean, I mean, I’m just playing more minutes, so I’m getting more opportunities,” Larson said. “And then I try to show what I can do with those opportunities.”

There’s no denying that Friday’s win over the Hornets was emotional, coming a day after Spoelstra’s home went through a devastating fire and Larson admitted that the team wanted to beat their coach.

“I’m glad (Spoelstra) can still, you know, spend time with us and everybody’s healthy and nobody’s hurt, so that’s great,” Larson said. “And I mean, yeah, we definitely wanted to beat our coach today, so it was good that we were able to perform when we wanted to.

Either way, Larson looks set to continue contributing for Miami, as after Saturday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the team has a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.





2025-11-09 00:25:00

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