As trade chatter continues around the Miami Heat—especially after landing Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers—the team’s Summer League squad is already making waves. While rookie Kasparas Jakucionis is navigating a rough start, other young talents like Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson are stepping up in a big way.
Joining promising second-year big man Kel’el Ware, both Larsson and Johnson are showcasing their potential to earn a more permanent place on the Heat roster. Larsson, a second-round pick, and Johnson, an undrafted gem, each made flashes last season—and now they’re back to prove they belong.
The Arizona alumni are also close friends, and through three games in the California Classic, they’re leading the way. Larsson is averaging a team-best 16.5 points per game, while Johnson is putting up 12 per contest. Their performances haven’t gone unnoticed.
According to Summer League head coach Eric Glass, both are exactly what Miami looks for in young players.
“Pelle is just a really steadying presence out there,” Glass said. “He and Keshad both set the tempo for us on defense. All the habits that they’ve built during their rookie seasons and Keshad’s time in Sioux Falls, they bring that to the team.”
“And it’s the example that the other guys, that are a little bit newer to this, that are still learning our system, they see those guys doing all the right things and competing at a high level and setting that pace for the rest of the group. So I couldn’t ask for anything more when it comes to that.”
Pelle Larsson’s Poised for a Strong Sophomore Leap
Pelle Larsson has earned a rotation spot under Erik Spoelstra by consistently putting in the work. As he continues his development this summer, his focus is on maximizing efficiency with the ball in his hands.
“Just trying to be efficient every time I get [the ball],” Larsson said. “Realizing I’m probably not going to be high usage [in the regular season], but even if my usage is up here, I can try to do the same things I do here in the NBA.”
“So just mainly be ready to catch and shoot whenever and, when I have the opportunity, drive, get to the line and finish.”
Meanwhile, Johnson recently secured a guaranteed contract, giving him added momentum heading into the Vegas portion of Summer League. The Heat open play Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
