Most believe that Klay Thompson is going to snag that final starting spot for the Miami Heat next to Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo, but Pelle Larsson is certainly leaving a strong impression with his excellent showing in FIBA competition this summer.
Most recently, Larsson put on an individual show against Team France. Sweden ended up losing the game and fell apart during the fourth quarter, but none of that blame could fall on the Heat's young wing.
Larsson did everything he could against France, finishing with 23 points on 44 percent shooting from the field. More specifically, Larsson was 2-for-3 from 3-point range and made it to the free-throw line 16 times (connecting on 13 of them).
His efforts fell short against a much more talented France team, but there's no question that Larsson's strong performance is going to keep speaking to the Heat's coaching staff.
Pelle Larsson has enjoyed a ceiling-changing offseason
Over his last three games in FIBA play, Larsson is averaging 28 points and three rebounds per game on good shooting percentages. The talent level that Larsson has played this summer may not stack up against the best of the best in the NBA, but there's no question that Larsson has been impressive during his time with Team Sweden.
Larsson has had the type of summer that could end up raising the ceiling of his potential. Heading into his third season in the league, there's reason to believe that Larsson is about to have his best season yet. One that may lead to him earning a starting spot for the Heat.
And realistically speaking, that may not be that outlandish.
Larsson has been on an upward trajectory since the latter part of his rookie season. He hasn't made that big jump in his development yet, but all signs point to that happening this season (if it's ever going to happen).
His play for Team Sweden in FIBA competition only hammers that thought home. Playing next to two talents like Giannis and Bam, the game is only going to be that much easier for Larsson.
If Larsson can continue to play at this level heading into camp, the Heat are going to have a hard time keeping him out of the starting 5. In theory, Thompson's shooting makes much more sense (and is seemingly a better fit) in the starting 5, but Larsson could take that decision out of the Heat's hands if he keeps this level of play up.
FIBA competition is certainly not the end-all, be-all, but Larsson has more than thrown his hat in the ring of competition for the final starting spot in Miami. And, with the way he's looked this summer, it's not outrageous to admit that he may have the upper hand right now.
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