Pelle Larsson is looking to build off a strong summer, but he clearly realizes nothing will be given and everything will need to be earned. It's the perfect mindset for a young player to have, and one that should have Heat fans excited about his future.
Even after a pretty solid rookie season in which he averaged five points on 44 percent shooting from the field in 55 games played for the Heat, Larsson entered the offseason with something to prove. He impressed during his time with the Heat's summer league team and then quickly carried that momentum into a strong showing with Team Sweden in the EuroBasket Tournament.
Objectively, it's pretty clear that Larsson deserves a bigger role this season. However, Larsson knows that he has to continue to prove that.
"Like my rookie year no expectations…just try to earn everything from the start ground up…coming in with no expectations really, just try to earn everything again."Pelle Larsson on his approach this year
Pelle Larsson will be battling for a spot in the rotation
Even after the Tyler Herro injury, it's far from a foregone conclusion that Larsson will have an immediate spot in the rotation for the Heat. He'll be battling against the likes of Terry Rozier, Dru Smith (when he's healthy), and Simone Fontecchio for minutes. And that's beyond the established rotation players of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Davion Mitchell, and Norman Powell.
Larsson will certainly have his work cut out for him, but if he continues to have a strong work ethic and if his performance this summer is any indication, he could quickly prove his worth to Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
As a player who has proven to be willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, Larsson is the exact type of player every team needs.
The Heat won't be the exception, especially as they head into a season that is full of uncertainty. If the Heat are going to be a playoff team this season, they're going to need a few of their young players to take another jump in their development.
Larsson is probably one of the players on that shortlist of candidates.
And with the mindset that Larsson has heading into the start of training camp, there's reason to believe that he will find himself in a position to succeed in Miami this year.
The possibilities are endless for Larsson this season. But none of that would be possible without the right approach. It does seem like he has that covered.