We are just weeks away from the 2025-26 NBA Season. For the most part, the Miami Heat have a fairly similar roster heading into the new year — but there were a few tweaks. A new year offers new opportunities for certain players. Not every player will have a great season, but which players am I buying stock in to have quality seasons ahead of the new campaign? Here are my picks!
Pelle Larsson:
Around this time last year, I was telling anyone who would listen to buy Pelle Larsson stock. After a rocky — yet encouraging — rookie season, I stand firm on owning Larsson stock.
The 24-year-old only averaged 4.6 points on 43.8/33.7/67.2 shooting splits across 14.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He appeared in 55 games, only starting eight of them. His playing time was fairly sporadic. But Larsson’s impact was greater than any number could calculate on the stat sheet. He immediately rose into one of the team’s best point-of-attack defenders — handling primary assignments on Cameron Johnson, Tyrese Maxey and Jayson Tatum well — as well as one of their best cutters and connective playmakers when he had a chance to showcase his talents.
His shot left a little to be desired, but I’m not worried about that long-term. Larsson’s also coming off a very strong EuroBasket, where he assumed primary ballhandling duties for Sweden. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals across 28.4 minutes in five EuroBasket games. Given Tyler Herro’s recent injury, Larsson is a safe bet for me to provide a consistent impact right away in his second season.
If you’re looking for other safe bets, check out CBS Sports’ Best DFS Apps here!
Nikola Jovic:
While Jovic’s stock wasn’t necessarily “low,” the 22-year-old hasn’t played more than 46 games in a single NBA season yet. The former No. 27 overall pick has shown more than encouraging flashes as a floor spacer, team defender and secondary facilitator. But a few untimely injuries has prevented him from putting together a full season.
If he remains healthy, there’s no stopping him from being one of the Heat’s most impactful players not named Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Standing at 6-foot-10, 210 pounds, Jovic has an incredibly unique skillset at his size and has only shown improvement through three seasons. I’m expecting another leap in 2025-26 — with the hope he remains healthy for at least 55-60 games in a contract season.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.:
It wasn’t a good second season for Jaquez after he finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2023-24. He averaged just 8.6 points on 46.1/31.1/75.4 shooting splits last season, losing traction in the rotation. I didn’t sell any stock and will be buying more heading into his third season for the simple fact that not all growth is equal. If you or someone you know has given up on you, what I’m about to say probably won’t convince you. I won’t fault you for how you feel.
But I think there’s more 3-point shooting to unlock; this is a make-or-break season for the 24-year-old in regards to his future in Miami. He’ll have to improve his spot-up shooting, as well as his downhill creation and touch. He clearly wasn’t as spry around the rim last year, either — and I don’t expect that to be the same in 2025-26. I’m banking on a bounce-back third season for Jaquez, who will be extension-eligible next summer.
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This year, players are going to need to work their buts off for playing time.
Players guaranteed 20+ minutes per game
Players favored to make rotation (10-20 minutes per game)
Players expected to compete for rotation spots/consistent minutes
I agree on two of the three. But, hoping for the third also as he still has a decent chance. And sometimes, the problem isn’t the player, as much as how well he fits on the team. There may be another team that would allow a young player to realize his potential.