Miami Heat fans sure love their underdog stories. And if history is any indication, they could already be setting themselves up for their next heartbreak with the way the fan base is rallying around Pelle Larsson.
Through the first week of NBA Summer League, it's difficult not to get carried away with how Larsson has looked. He's seemingly taken another step forward in his development as a player, but, despite that, it's still increasingly difficult to envision him playing a big role for the team this upcoming season.
And honestly, Larsson's upcoming role with the Heat (or lack of a consistent one) could end up dividing Heat fans. In theory, it would be great if Larsson were ready for a bigger role this season for Miami, but that's probably not realistic. Not yet. No matter how good Larsson has looked in summer league.
Larsson has turned heads for the Heat
In his first two summer league games, Larsson is averaging 16.5 points and four rebounds on 41 percent shooting from the field. Perhaps more impressively, Larsson looks like a true contributing NBA player amongst the rest of the competition.
Larsson is controlled, understands the offense, and looks the part for Miami through his summer league showing. At this point, it wouldn't be all that surprising if he were held out of the rest of summer league. That's how impressive he's looked thus far.
However, that also doesn't man he's going to carve out an everyday role for the team right off the bat fro the Heat. In fact, it'd be surprising if he did, espeically with how the Heat's depth chart stands at the moment.
Where Larsson stands in the Heat's rotation
Larsson is already behind Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro in the backcourt, and could still lose minutes to Kasparas Jakucionis and/or Terry Rozier, depending on how Heat coach Erik Spoelstra wants to manage it.
Larsson could probably play some minutes on the wing, but that could be difficult with Andrew Wiggins and Haywood Highsmith still on the roster.
Heat fans should be excited about Larsson's continued growth as a young player, but he's still probably a year away from playing consistent minutes for the team. Of course, that can all change with a bold move. If Wiggins and/or Highsmith are traded, it would open up a clear role for Larsson.
At least for now, there isn't presently one there. Heat fans should understand this before they set themselves up for eventual heartbreak once again. Larsson is coming, but now is not his time.