Pelle Larsson is developing into a valuable role player for the Heat

After returning from an ankle sprain with a big win, Pelle Larsson has continued to be one of, if not the Heat’s biggest X-factor this season.
(Photo via Pelle Larsson IG)

The Miami Heat were able to earn a much needed victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday evening, snapping a three-game losing streak.

There’s still plenty of work to be done to get things back to the Heat’s October and November winning ways. They remain just 2-8 over the last 10 games, and will be without their All-Star duo for the second consecutive game for Saturday’s home back-to-back versus the Indiana Pacers.

However, their previous win may have validated the impact of this true Heat X-factor this season in Pelle Larsson.

Larsson had missed six games in a row after suffering an ankle sprain in the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Orlando Magic. He returned to action Friday, and his play provided a huge spark that this team has been desperately searching for. He finished with a career-high 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on an efficient 9 of 13 shooting.

For the 2025-26 campaign, Larsson is averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game when receiving at least 25 minutes or more. Miami is receiving tremendous value from the former 2024 second-round draft pick in an expanded role during his sophomore season.

12-6 when Larsson starts

10-3 when getting 26+ minutes

1-5 when Larsson does NOT play

After the Friday win, coach Erik Spoelstra, Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. each expressed how great it is to have Larsson back in the lineup.

“You see the glue and intangibles he provides… he just does so many intangibles on both sides of the court. He cuts, he moves for you offensively, and it helps all your better players. We were missing a ton of that.”

— Spo on Pelle Larsson pic.twitter.com/PatBx3ljpR

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) December 27, 2025

Norman Powell on Pelle Larsson’s return:

“Not only he’s a gamer but he’s a game changer just with his physicality, his energy and effort on both sides of the floor. He kept plays alive… we missed that about him; just continuing to making winning plays.”pic.twitter.com/nWC1MTwcZ1

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) December 27, 2025

Jaime Jaquez Jr says he and the Heat are happy to have Pelle Larsson back:

“We’re so happy to have him back in this lineup, he’s the ultimate energy guy… really just gives everybody life and a spark that we desperately needed.” pic.twitter.com/koTnUV5BLA

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) December 27, 2025

Larsson’s rookie year had him held to just 55 games played, mostly due to the coach’s decision. He wasn’t a consistent rotation player, and mostly just filled in when there were injuries. This season, however, he is proving to be a staple in Spoelstra’s rotation no matter the circumstances.

Larsson has played his way into a real role for this group. He does a lot of little things that make him a valuable winning player that any contending team would love to have. Whether that is stepping in to take charges, taking hits with his scrappy defense or crashing the boards.

Opposing teams can feel his presence, and he is not afraid of the moment.

Statistically, the Heat are a better team with Larsson involved. Even once fully healthy, Spoelstra needs to keep finding a way to get him extended playing time.

Pelle Larsson is developing into a valuable role player for the Heat

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