Q: Ira,what’s with all the hype and optimism about Pelle Larsson? At 6 feet 5, he is either, at best, the fourth guard behind Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell, or he is an undersized forward. Also just like Jaime Jaquez Jr., his shooting leaves a lot to be desired, shooting .438 from the field and .337 from 3. During the summer league, most of his scoring was going to the hoop, which I don’t see happening in the regular season. On a good team he would be fighting to make the roster. What are your thoughts on how he fits in and his future in the league? — Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: My thoughts are that while there is plenty still to mold there, there also is plenty to be said about a player willing to work and hustle and complement and support and learn and grow and develop. From Erik Spoelstra on down, I’m not sure anyone has cast Pelle Larsson as a star or even a player on such a path. But in the age of the salary cap and luxury tax, there is plenty to be said about quality, cost-effective complementary pieces. While he might have to play at times as an emergency starter, Pelle sets up more as a bundle of energy to insert amid the dog days or the regular season or into a lifeless game. Over the 82-game schedule, that is something every team needs. Can Pelle become an All-Star? That might be a stretch. Can Pelle emerge as a quality ninth man? I don’t see why not. And since teams can carry up to 18 players, there is something to be said about quality depth. At $2 million this season, Pelle stands to offer plenty of bang for his buck. Which is what makes him worth watching with Sweden when EuroBasket opens Wednesday.
Q: As much as I like Nikola Jovic and want him to succeed, we have to wonder what his future is so long as Erik Spoelstra refuses to start him alongside Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. And it’s probably a mutual concern, considering that Jovic will eventually want to start. – M.D.
A: At the moment, the Heat view Nikola Jovic as a quality spark off the bench, with six man a significant NBA role. Based on the current composition of the Heat roster, such a role seemingly would best benefit the team, if not necessarily most benefit Nikola. To his credit, Nikola has done what has been asked. Now, if Kel’el Ware doesn’t start, then the calculus could change. But with so much depth on the Heat wing, from Tyler Herro to Norman Powell to Andrew Wiggins to Davion Mitchell (and even Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis), it would seem counterproductive to try to jam Nikola, Kel’el and Bam Adebayo into the same starting lineup.
Q: I just saw that EuroBasket does not end until September 14. Is that enough time for Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio to recover? – Art.
A: If it was the regular season starting on Sept. 30 instead of training camp at Florida Atlantic University, then it would be far more of a concern. First, beyond Nikola Jovic (Serbia), it is unlikely Pelle Larsson (Sweden) or even Simon Fontecchio (Italy) advance deep into the medal round. So they should be done well before Sept. 14. And it’s not as if players will be pushed through the Heat’s six-game preseason schedule, with teams allowed to carry a maximum of 21 players until the start of the regular season. So by the Heat’s Oct. 22 regular-season opener in Orlando, there should be ample time (injuries aside) to have those in EuroBasket refreshed and ready.