Pelle Larsson Expected To Be A Candidate For Most Improved Player Next Season
· Yahoo Sports
The Miami Heat are shaping up to be an exciting team in the Eastern Conference next season. While the addition of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis ensures this, the development of others, such as Pelle Larsson, also demands attention.
Pelle Larsson has positioned himself as a reliable two-way asset off the bench. Like most players on the Heat roster, Larsson has shown a deep commitment to his role, which typically involves playing physical defense and contributing with hustle plays. But is he due for a larger role in the upcoming campaign?
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According to Sports Illustrated’s Major Passons, he certainly is. However, Passons also believes Pelle Larsson’s growth this offseason could see him emerge as a candidate for the Most Improved Player award next season. Passons elaborated on this notion in his article, writing:
“No Heat player has won the Most Improved Player award since 1997, when center Isaac Austin won the award. In nearly 30 years, no Heat player has claimed this title, but can Pelle Larsson end the streak? I think yes, well, at least he will have a shot.”
“I think it ultimately depends on how people vote for the award,” Passons continued. “If they give it to a player that goes from a good young player to a star or a star to a superstar, then he might not be realistic. On the flip side, if they vote how I believe the award should be voted and give it to a guy that improves his game and translates to winning, not just his stats, then he has a shot.”
Passons noted that the biggest factor that could help Pelle Larsson’s case for MIP is the added spotlight on Miami following Antetokounmpo’s arrival. With the Heat drawing more attention next season, Larsson’s contributions and value will be brought to the forefront. But is this really enough?
Does Pelle Larsson Have A Case To Be An MIP Candidate?
Realistically, it is too early to make such a prediction. Given that the season hasn’t even started, suggesting a player should already be on the radar as a potential MIP candidate may be a little far-fetched. By the same token, however, there is also an equal possibility for a player to improve by leaps and bounds over the course of the summer. Hence, neither can be overlooked.
In Pelle Larsson’s case, the situation certainly supports the possibility of him emerging as a candidate. Other than playing for the Heat, a franchise that gives opportunities to anyone willing to put in the work, the 25-year-old is likely to earn more playing time next season following the departure of players like Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Given Miami’s need for a reliable two-way threat off the bench, Larsson will be asked to step up. Thus far, he has shown that he can meet these expectations.
Last season, Pelle Larsson averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range. This is a notable increase from his rookie season averages of 4.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.6 steals per game on 43.8% shooting from the field and 33.7% from beyond the arc.
The 25-year-old’s improvement in the NBA has been tangible. But his performances for Sweden at the FIBA World Cup European qualifiers may set a precedent for another jump in the upcoming season.
In four appearances for Sweden in the qualifying rounds, Pelle Larsson is averaging 26.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. Although his perimeter shooting has been underwhelming, his ability to take over as the primary scoring option is quite promising.
It is difficult to forecast whether Larsson’s performance at the European qualifiers will translate into NBA success, primarily because his role will be different. But given how it sets the tone for him entering the new campaign, the Heat can be optimistic about his growth and improvement.