The Heat’s Bam Adebayo called out the “calmest” rookie after Jimmy Butler’s first start over suspension

As it is The Miami Heat face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night, it could be another chance for rookie Pele Larsson to be in the starting lineup, as he was there last Thursday amid another suspension for Jimmy Butler. While it is The Heat lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in that game, Larson would celebrate his first start as he caught the attention of a star teammate Bam Adebayo.

The second-round pick out of the University of Arizona has been up and down in terms of getting playing time in Miami since the start of the season from Larsson until injuries set him back. Now in the starting lineup, he would get positive attention from Heat captain Adebayo who said he was Larson “one of the quietest guys on the team,” he’s making his presence known on the field, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

“From day one, he’s one of the quietest guys in the team, but you definitely know who Pele is when he comes out and can be himself, play physically,” Adebayo said. “Obviously the refs started him (Thursday night), so he couldn’t be as physical as he wanted to be. But you have to understand, when Pele is on the pitch, you will know who he is.”

Heat’s Pele Larsson is “proud” of first start despite early foul trouble

In the loss to Milwaukee, Larson would finish with four points on 1-for-5 shooting from the field, with five rebounds. While the stat line doesn’t appear to be inspiring, he would get into foul trouble early on, scoring three in nearly two minutes of play as Erik Spoelstra called you “tough calls”.

“He had some tough calls,” Spoelstra said. “That was the thing I rolled my eyes at in this league.” The veteran thus drew three quick fouls. If Pele did the same thing in a different way, there is no way they would be fouls.

Recently there has been a youth movement with the team as, in addition to Larsson, The Heat’s first-round pick, Kel’el Ware, was also impressive as he started alongside his fellow novice. There’s no doubt that Larsson has a prototype that appeals to Miami, and that’s a player with defensive intensity who could contribute to the offensive end from the three, because in addition to the struggles, he took the moment of his first start.

“A very proud moment,” he said of his first start in his 27th NBA game. “I am grateful for the opportunity. I didn’t last long in this one. Hopefully, there is more.”

“You can’t really know what to expect, but I feel like my learning is skyrocketing,” Larson continued. “Every day I feel that I am getting better.” You have to come every day with a smile and help your teammates. I think they appreciate that.”

The Heat’s Erik Spoelstra will look for ways Pele Larsson can make an impact

The reason why Larsson started had partly to do with The Heat suspend Butler for the second timethe one that lasted two games since instead of Haywood Highsmith or Nikola Jovic, Spoelstra gave the nod to the 23-year-old. The longtime head coach will continue to see where Larson can make an impact on the team.

“We’ll reevaluate,” Spoelstra said. “I’ll just figure out where we can plug it in.” I like what Pele is doing behind the scenes.”

Either way, Miami is now 21-22, which puts them in ninth place in the Eastern Conference when they next play against the Nets on Saturday. Butler is eligible to return from suspension on Monday when the Heat host the Orlando Magic.