One of the biggest bright spots of the underwhelming 2024-25 Miami Heat season was the play of their two rookies, Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson.
Ware, who the Heat drafted No. 15 overall, far exceeded expectations. Larsson, the Heat’s second-round draft choice, showed flashes of being a legitimate two-way rotation guard, even though counting numbers don’t quite pop off the page.
During each of their end-of-season interviews Wednesday, both shared at least one thing they wanted to improve most heading into their second season–a question most rookies are asked. And both shared completely different answers.
“Getting stronger,” Ware said. “(My goal) it was getting stronger before the season. Still getting stronger. Until I get to that point, then it’s gonna continue to be getting stronger.”
Ware mentioned that the strength aspect of playing against bigger, more physical bodies was the most difficult adjustment to make as a rookie.
For Larsson, he wasn’t set on drastically improving just one part of his game, though the first thing he did mention was shooting after canning just 33.7 percent of his triples as a rookie.
“It never hurts to be a better shooter in this league,” he said. “And then being more comfortable with the ball in my hands, making decisions and making plays for others. … And keep defending at a higher level. I kind of got introduced to how it was to defend these top level guys. And I think I’ve learned a lot from from this year.”
Ware, who turned 21-years-old in late April, averaged 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 60.3 percent true shooting this season. He started in 36 of the his 64 games, becoming regularly featured alongside three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo. Larsson averaged just 4.6 points in 14.2 minutes per game, but he started in eight of his 55 games and appeared in 15-plus minutes in 10 of his final 18 games.
I’m not surprised by either player’s answers; in the offseason preview blog, I did not that Ware needed to get stronger while Larsson needed to improve his shooting consistency.
Ware’s strength–or lack thereof–did disrupt his play several times, including in the Heat’s first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was outmatched by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Larsson was almost the exact opposite with his degree of physicality, but his shooting and ball-handling weren’t always perfect.
Both players had rookie moments, but both also flashed signs very good (relative to expectations). I’m intrigued with how both players will look to add to each of their respective games as pieces to this next build.
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Larsson has got a chance to get better. He seems to have the prerequisite skills, athleticism and strength to have that chance.
For Ware, I don’t think he’s a sure thing starter anymore. It is conceivable that he ends up like Lively, second team valuable rotation guy. But, I think he will get stronger, and will be a solid starter level player by next year.
So pleased they have attainable goals. Wish them the best, we really need them to work on their weaknesses as well as their strength. It never hurt to get better.
Go Heat, Go!