Kel'el Ware is the sophomore Miami Heat player that most of the casual fans are getting to know this season. However, Pelle Larsson could be the one Heat player who should be getting much more love than he has. And it does seem as if the national media is beginning to catch up on what most die-hard Heat fans already know about Larsson.
And it's that he's quickly become one of the least expendable young players on the roster.
In the words of ESPN, Larsson has been the unsung hero of the season for the Heat. More specifically, "the Heat are plus-4.9 points per 100 possessions and boast a 111.8 defensive rating with Larsson on the court. And no one on the Heat roster has taken more charges this season."
Pelle Larsson has been more impressive than Kel'el Ware
There's a real argument to be made that Larsson has been the Heat's best of their young core this season. Many will point to Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Ware, but it's Larsson who has been the much more consistent player.
And it's his intangibles that lead to winning that have caught Erik Spoelstra's eyes, and those in the fan base who have paid close attention.
After all, it's Larsson who has cemented a spot in the starting 5 for Spo over the other young players in the rotation. That's not necessarily a be-all, end-all, but it's certainly something that should stick out when calculating where Larsson stands in the eyes of this organization.
Pelle Larsson's impact extends beyond the box score
In what has been a career-best season for Larsson so far, he's averaging 11 points on 49 percent shooting from the field this season. Specifically, since January 24, Larsson has taken an even bigger jump in his game, averaging 13 rebounds, four rebounds, and three assists on 52 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range.
But even beyond the stats, it's the trust that he's slowly built with the coaching staff that has to be considered most impressive.
Larsson may not have the high ceiling that Ware has, or he may not be as productive as Jaquez Jr. is right now, but he could quietly be considered a more foundational piece at the moment.
He may not be the most talented player on the roster, but Spo absolutely loves him. And when you watch him play, it's difficult not to be impressed with his winning brand of basketball. He just impacts the game in all the right ways. He's a winning player that every good team needs, and every losing team desires.
The national media have clearly been impressed as well. And if this trend continues, it'll only be a matter of time before Larsson is a much bigger name than he is now.