Pelle Larsson about the NBA season: « Childhood dream comes true »
The season has so far gone on rails for Pelle Larsson who since his debut in October against Orlando. So far, the 196 cm long Guard has accounted for 251 points in 55 matches and averages over 14 minutes per match.
But whether he has exceeded his own expectations for his debut season in the NBA says he is difficult to answer.
– I also had no expectations, but you had to go in with an open mind and be prepared for anything, he says.
– But starting and playing heavy minutes and helping to decide matches, that is what is the goal from the beginning. It feels like it is partly completed.
Maybe you can never be really satisfied at this level?
– No, just as you say, you never get too satisfied. As soon as you get to taste it, you want even more. I feel that I have become much better at basketball and that is the most important thing.
To take the step from college basketball To the NBA where he didn’t really know what to expect was nervous at first. Now six months have passed since the debut and another calm has been found.
When asked how he has handled the mental press in standing eye to eye with the very best basketball players in the world, he gives an answer that can be equated with a shrug.
– I don’t have much to lose, I can just go out and swing and do my best as well. This is perhaps what you have become best at the years too. The press is usually invented, it does not really exist really, he says.
The chance to play against the very best in the NBA has always been the big dream for Larsson. Now he plays in the same team as star players Lebron James (now in Los Angeles Lakers) and Dwayne Wade once did.
The feeling of pulling on the miami-linen is something that will be difficult to get tired of.
– Every time I get to do it, a childhood dream is fulfilled. It is very cool, I can only think back on when I was little and looked at the NBA and how cool it would be, he says.
What do you think the little guy would have said if he could see you today?
– He had probably asked about an autograph, so you can be proud of that.
How much autographs are there, people are up to you in town?
– There will be some, but not as much as Tyler (Herro) and BAM (Adebayo). But it is clear that the more I am on the pitch and visible in the media, the more people recognize me.
– It is thanks to the fans that we can support ourselves on this so it’s just fun.
Ahead of the last meeting with Chicago Bulls, Larsson struck the ankle during a strength training session and thus did not come into play.
How much the damage will affect the rest of the season for the rookie is still unclear.
