Heat pick up Arizona duo, draft Pelle Larsson, sign undrafted free agent Keshad Johnson

Transferring from Utah at the end of his freshman year in 2021, Larsson finished his four-year college career at Arizona (2021-24). The Swede averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game across 109 appearances (57 starts) in Tucson. This past year, the 6-foot-6, 215-pound guard was the recipient of second-team All-Pac-12 honors after he started in all 37 games he played in, totaling 12.9 points (career-high), 3.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Ending with 1,277 points, Larsson became just the 55th player in University of Arizona history to score 1,000-plus.

According to ESPN NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo, the Heat are getting a strong depth piece that could instantly see playing time when the NBA season begins.

“Miami moved back one spot with Atlanta and selected Larsson, a tough, versatile guard who could give the Heat minutes off the bench in the short-term,” Woo said. “Larsson matches a lot of Miami’s intangibles and could be a strong fit here.”

As for Johnson, the fifth-year senior is going to the NBA after his first and only season at U of A. Following his transfer from San Diego State, the California native started in all 37 games like Larsson. Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. More known for his defensive mentality and playstyle, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward collected 36 steals and 26 blocks.

During his lone year in Arizona, Johnson was a Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honorable mention and a semifinalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.

ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonothan Givony believed pre-draft that Johnson’s defense is his strong suit as he can guard almost anyone and do it proficiently.

“Johnson was among the best defenders in college basketball, tasked with guarding up and down the floor for Arizona,” Givony said. “His versatility and toughness give him a niche he can build off in the NBA, provided he can provide ample floor spacing.”

Both Larsson and Johnson will now fight for their place on the Heat’s roster come this fall. Going 46-36 last year, Miami was eliminated in the NBA play-in tournament.

About to be surrounded by stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and coached by Erik Spoelstra, the now-former Wildcats will instantly be put in a championship culture the Heat revolve around, similar to what Arizona’s identity is year in, year out.