After drafting Indiana center Kel’el Ware with the No. 15 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Miami entered Thursday’s second round with one selection at No. 43. Though they traded one spot back with the Atlanta Hawks–in exchange for cash considerations–with them ultimately selecting Arizona guard Pelle Larsson with the No. 44 pick.
How do the pundits view the selection? Let’s dive into it!
Bleacher Report (Zach Buckley): A-
The marriage between Pelle Larsson and Miami’s developmental staff could be a fruitful one. He has plenty of positives to provide a competitive club, and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has a rich track record of bringing the best out of his players.
This pick could look more favorable with hindsight. There are a lot of elements in Larsson’s game that could pop at the next level, and if enough of them do, he could be remembered as one of the draft’s better bargains.
Shooting will be a big swing skill for him. He can hit threes (39.7 percent in college), but upping his perimeter volume (career 2.6 attempts per game) would help open up the rest of his game. And that could be massive, because while he is a capable passer, handler and finisher, he isn’t a standout in any of those areas.
Yahoo Sports: B
Larsson is a four-year college player who contributed at a high level offensively, averaging 20.1 points at Arizona. His passing rate isn’t great, dishing out under two assists per game, but his size at 6-foot-6 and shooting potential translates well for the Heat.
Sporting News (Kyle Irving): B+
The Heat select a 3-and-D prospect in Larsson, a 6-6 forward. The Arizona senior shot 42.6 percent from 3 this past season and could be an older development project for Miami just like Max Strus.
CBS Sports (Adam Finkelstein): B+
Miami traded down one spot from 43 to 44 to select Larson here. He’s a dynamic wing who can play both on and off the ball coming off a career year with Arizona where he shot 42.6% from 3 and had a career-high in assists.
SB Nation (Ricky O’Donnell): B
Larsson is a 6’5 off-ball guard who can rip three-pointers. He hit 39.7 percent of his threes across four years of college hoops, as well as better than 81 percent of his free throws.
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My take:
I would have been content with both Nikola Djurisic–who Atlanta traded up to draft–or Larsson. Though the latter is more ready to play now.
There’s a world where Larsson steps in at some point during his rookie campaign and impacts the rotation. He’s an excellent connective glue guy who is an outstanding shooter, good secondary playmaker and quality defender.
Larsson, 23, has a very repeatable shooting motion, and while he doesn’t have elite burst, he’s quite athletic with a 38-inch max vertical. He’s not afraid to play through contact and was phenomenal around the rim, canning 69.2 percent of his attempts. The 6-foot-6 guard doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact and always played within the flow of Arizona’s offense alongside Caleb Love and Kylan Boswell. He won’t always light up the box score, but I’ll take his do-it-all skillset every day of the week. He could be an impactful piece to the puzzle. Grade: A-
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We need 2 way players,You cant guard gtfoh.
Sir, this is an Arby’s drive-thru
1 7ft canadian burger.with 6 7 2way slice of serbian cheese.and a 6 4 pg with no sugar.
Dude, WTF? Lighten up. It’s only June. The experts gave his selection A’s and B’s.
If he shoots as well as it sounds, he could make Duncan expendable. I wonder if there is a trade out there to be had? Maybe Duncan and a first for “Beef Stew” (Isaiah Stewart). Bam, Stewart, Love and Ware sounds like a pretty good frontcourt rotation.
Duncan ty cant be back coolio.One way players dont help u win.Need both gone if anybody would take them
I see him competing for a spot with Delon Wright, Patty Mills, Jamal Cain, Alpndrs Wright and Cole Swider. The competition will be healthy as these are all 3 tier players imho.
seems like a solid addition to the Skyforce. Could be the next Highsmith, could be the next Okoru. We’ll see…
Again, I don’t think they got him for the Skyforce. Might spend some time there if necessary. At 23, and with his size and skill set, I think he’ll get some minutes off the bench. Depends on the status of Herro and Duncan.
That would be great, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m expecting these second round picks to be developmental projects
This dude is going to play this season.
When the games out of hand yes otherwise no