Things are going well for Pelle Larsson in the world's best basketball league.
During his rookie season with the Miami Heat, it was Larsson's strong defensive play that impressed. He began this season by playing in the European Championship with Sweden – and since then he has taken his game to new levels in the NBA.
More minutes, more points, more assists, more rebounds.
“Better than ever”
He's in the starting five and playing really well. He already showed last season that he's a fantastic defender on the ball. But he might not have had the confidence offensively to deliver game after game. He has now. He's doubled his statistical numbers compared to his rookie season and is just playing more maturely and better than ever. Outstanding, says Nick Rajacic.
Jonas Jerebko became the first Swede to play in the NBA in 2009. He was later followed by Jeffery Taylor. Last season, Pelle Larsson and Bobi Klintman, in Detroit, doubled the number of Swedes who have had a chance in the league.
"It's one thing to get there, but it's even harder to stay there. Pelle has shown both Miami and the rest of the league that he is an NBA player, that he deserves a second contract," Rajacic says.
He believes that the 24-year-old, whose current contract runs until 2027, could be well on his way to the best season a Swede has ever had in the NBA.
Jonas Jerebko's rookie season was very good, but Detroit was so damn bad. Miami is good, they win games and Pelle contributes to a winning team.
At the same time, the season is still young. And when Miami star Tyler Herro returns from injury, it will likely affect Larsson's role.
“Dramatically better”
He plays in Pelle's position, so when Herro is back, Pelle will most likely come in from the bench. Then it will be a little less minutes and a little more difficult to find the rhythm and play with confidence offensively, says Nick Rajacic.
On the other hand, he wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the Swede just continues to develop.
I have followed Pelle Larsson since he was 18. Every year he has gotten dramatically better, says Rajacic.
So far this season he's playing really damn well.
Miami next plays at home against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, Swedish time.
Born: February 23, 2001.
Club: Miami Heat.
Position: Shooting guard.
Current: Playing his second season in the NBA, the world's best basketball league.
The stats: Larsson played 55 games in his debut season. He averaged 14.2 minutes and 4.6 points per game. In 13 games so far this season, the corresponding average is 21.5 minutes and 9.9 points.
Larsson has increased his shooting percentage from 43.8 to 54.8 percent. In a game against Charlotte the other week, he scored 19 points, a new personal best in the NBA.
