The Miami Heat’s offseason move for Giannis Antetokounmpo changed the conversation around the team fast, and it also put a couple of players in the mix for one of the league’s more attention-driven honors: Sixth Man of the Year.
Miami has two real candidates in that race, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Pelle Larsson. That kind of internal competition can sometimes hurt both players because the vote gets split, but both are talented enough to push through it.
Larsson is the name to watch here. He worked his way into the starting lineup last season because of how steady and dependable he was, but this year he projects as a key reserve now that the Heat have added Klay Thompson. His value comes from how cleanly he fits into a lineup - things seem to run more smoothly when he’s on the floor.
What makes Larsson especially interesting is how many different ways he can help. He can shoot, attack off the dribble, and cut effectively.
Defensively, he brings pressure at the point of attack, stays active, and makes life annoying for the player he’s guarding. He’s the kind of all-around piece who keeps getting better.
Hardaway Jr. arrives from the Denver Nuggets after one of the best seasons of his career alongside Nikola Jokic. The fit in Miami makes plenty of sense too. Jokic and Antetokounmpo are different players, but the defensive attention they draw is a similar kind of problem for opponents.
That should give Hardaway Jr. a strong platform. He’s a proven shooter, and lining up next to one of the league’s most dominant paint scorers is the sort of setup that can make a player’s numbers pop.
Still, the better award case may belong to Larsson. Hardaway Jr. should have a solid year, but Larsson’s overall impact could be bigger.
Even without a starting role, he could end up as one of the five most important players on the Heat. By the end of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Larsson is sitting as the favorite for Sixth Man of the Year.
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One option under consideration is a reunion with former All-Star Victor Oladipo, whose on-ball skill set still carries obvious appeal even with the injury concerns that have followed him in recent years. Miami has reached the minimum roster count already, but leaving a spot open remains on the table if the front office wants flexibility for a trade or buyout target once the season gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]
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Tim Hardaway Heat Nostalgia Is Back In A Way Fans Know
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The latest version keeps the black mesh base and Varsity Red overlays, with yellow rope laces and visible Max Air units giving it the same kind of on-court attitude that made the original stand out. It is another reminder that Hardaways Miami connection still resonates, and that a sneaker with deep Heat-era roots can still draw attention every time Nike decides to bring it back. [Read more 🡒]