The Miami Heat are finalizing their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season, and all eyes are on second-year guard Pelle Larsson as a potential breakout star. His development could be the key to unlocking the team's ceiling alongside new superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 136-115 loss to the Orlando Magic on October 16, finishing with a 3-2 record that included high-scoring wins over the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans.
The Heat's blockbuster trade for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo came at a steep cost. Miami sent out Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple draft picks. That deal created a significant opportunity on the perimeter. Veterans like Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. were added for spacing, but the departure of high-usage players like Herro opens real minutes and shots for younger talent. Larsson, the 44th overall pick in the 2024 draft, started 54 games as a rookie. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field. His role is guaranteed to expand.
Miami has a proven track record of developing undrafted and late-round players into reliable NBA contributors. Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent all thrived here. The organization's confidence in its player development system allows it to be aggressive in trades, knowing it can fill gaps internally. Larsson is the next candidate in this pipeline. His smart shot selection and ability to play within the flow of the game are perfect for the Heat's system. With defenses collapsing on Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in the paint, Larsson will see cleaner looks from the perimeter.
His three-point shooting is the obvious area for growth. Larsson hit just 32.3% from deep on nearly three attempts per game last season. Increasing both his volume and efficiency from beyond the arc is the quickest path to a breakout year. The preseason offered a mixed bag, but the team's offensive firepower was on display in wins like the 144-128 victory over Brooklyn on October 14. Larsson's ability to capitalize on open shots will be critical. He doesn't need to force the action, just punish defenses that leave him open.
The focus now shifts to the regular season opener. Miami will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 21 at the Kaseya Center. It's a chance to immediately test their new-look lineup against a Western Conference contender. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page. The preseason showed an explosive offense, but consistency will be the goal. If Pelle Larsson takes the expected step forward, the Heat's gamble on star power will look even smarter.
