Even though the Miami Heat did about as good a job as they could've to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with a worthy supporting cast, it still leaves some to be desired. Especially compared to the depth of some of the other contenders across the league.
But if the Heat's supporting cast somehow does exceed expectations this season, and helps push the Heat from a fringe contender to a legit one, Pelle Larsson will probably play a huge role in that.
Larsson is the one player who, on paper, has the best chance to break out as a true difference-maker for Miami off the bench. Larsson is coming off a solid second season, but there's reason to believe that there's another leap coming for the young wing.
Pelle Larsson could be building toward a breakout season
And if his showing in FIBA competition is any indication, Larsson could be in for a very big season. Just a few days ago, Larsson turned in a 31-point and five-rebound performance against Finland. He also finished on an efficient 9-17 shooting night from the field.
Again, FIBA competition is much different from what Larsson is going to see at the NBA level, but it just goes to show how talented he is as a player, as his development continues to trend in an upward direction.
Theoretically speaking, if a breakout year is coming for Larsson, it's almost certainly going to happen this season. It's become common in the NBA for young players to take the most significant step in their development at or before the third year.
If there is any significant developmental jump coming for Larsson, it's probably coming this year.
And by playing a supplemental role next to Giannis and Bam Adebayo, Larsson could find himself not only in a perfect position for himself, but also in an ideal spot to help solve the championship equation for the Heat.
If Larsson does take a big step forward, he could help change the math for the Heat this season. He'd raise the ceiling in a way that not many thought was possible through natural internal development.
I can't imagine anyone thinking that Larsson would emerge as the final piece to put the Heat over the top in the Eastern Conference, but he has the potential to solve a lot of their questions in the backcourt.
Many questions that not many NBA analysts expect the Heat to solve this season. But, again, a big leap from Larsson can change all that.
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