Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat wasted no time in welcoming Pelle Larsson back into the rotation. Playing 30 minutes in his return after missing two and a half weeks because of injury, it's quite clear just how much this coaching staff and team trusts Larsson.
And, to be quite honest, that's a complete turn of events. At the beginning of the season, Larsson wasn't even in the original rotation.
Through the first three games of the season, Larsson was averaging a little over five minutes per contest. That quickly changed due to injury, when Spo was practically forced to play Larsson.
But, to his creidt, Spo hasn't looked back since.
After missing six games because of an ankle injury, Larsson finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists on 3-4 shooting from 3-point range in Miami's much-needed win over the Atlanta Hawks. Perhaps most interestingly, Larsson was one of four players who logged at least 30 minutes on the night.
This is the type of performance that goes to show not just how improved Larsson has been this season, but it also speaks to the level at which Spo has grown to trust the second-year pro.
Pelle Larsson is quietly having a breakout season for the Heat
It's understandable that Kel'el Ware is stealing all the headlines for the Heat so far this season, after all, he is the team's blue-chip prospect. However, it's difficult to ignore what Larsson has been able to do so far this season as well. And, as a whole, that 2024 draft class for the Heat is turning into one of their best in recent history.
Averaging nine points, three assists, and three rebounds per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent from deep doesn't give the development that the Heat have seen from Larsson so far this season justice.
As Spo spoke after the HEat's vicotry over the Hawks Freiday night, Larsson does so much more that, at times, won't be picked up by the stat sheet.
Coach Spo with high praise for Pelle Larsson
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) December 27, 2025
"You see the glue intangibles he provides. Regardless of stats he does so many intangibles on both sides of the court. He cuts, he moves for you offensively. It helps all your better players. We we're missing a ton of that. Something… https://t.co/OY100cXuRd pic.twitter.com/oEBRiFvVvD
Even seeing the pure joy in Spo's face when talking about Larsson tells us all we need to know about how valued he is right now.
Again, Larsson may not be considered a foundational anchor like a Ware or Bam Adebayo, but he's slowly inching his way into how important he can be for this team moving forward.
Larsson may not necessarily be an "untouchable" on the roster right now, but he's quietly emerging as one of those players that every team will fight to keep on the roster, no matter what changes may lie ahead.
The second-year wing is having a tremendous season for the Heat, and he's slowly becoming one of Spo's most-trusted weapons on the roster.