During Christmas week, Miami Heat fans have been delighted with the gift of rookie center Kel’el Ware enjoying some playing time in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation. Ware is simply reaping the benefits of work he’s done in the shadows, as he awaited his opportunity to contribute.
Earlier this month, Ware, who averaged 6.9 minutes in his first 10 NBA appearances, was sent to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate. He crafted an impressive two-game stint by averaging 18.5 points on 55.2 percent shooting, 10 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and two steals — he also splashed in a few 3-pointers to flash his floor-spacing potential. Teammate Bam Adebayo often jokes about not playing much during his rookie season, so he’s suggested Ware be patient to allow his career to properly unfold, especially within a team well-versed in maximizing lottery picks, star acquisitions and undrafted players. Once anyone is within reach of Miami’s scouting department, it’s only a matter of time before things align.
“Being able to play is always a thing I would wanna do, so I don’t really feel like it was really much to it,” Ware told The Athletic after practice last week. “You know, just going down there, play and come back up here to work on my game.”
Last week, as the team wrapped practice before the Oklahoma City Thunder came to town, the 15th pick in this year’s NBA Draft got in some reps alongside Adebayo and Heat vice president of basketball development Udonis Haslem, who carefully observed glimpses into the future of Miami basketball as Adebayo and Ware played one-on-one. Whether getting reps against a two-time gold medalist or contributing to the scout team during walkthroughs, the 20-year-old 7-footer has been patient with inching toward more playing time in the NBA.
In his last three appearances with the Heat, Ware has averaged about 15 minutes on the court while adding new layers to Miami’s offense and defense. His viability as a lob threat and rim protector can provide things the Heat haven’t consistently enjoyed in some time, but his motor on either end is what can bolster Miami’s rotation, especially given the team’s streak of finishing last in shot-blocking in each season since 2020-21. Granted, Ware’s playing time has been scarce so far this season, but the impact he’s had — and glimpses of potential he’s shown — have been undeniable when he’s had time to find rhythm.
In his 113 minutes on the court, Ware has helped Miami’s defense swing opponents’ shooting percentage decline by double digits, per NBA.com. Differing sample sizes must be processed with consideration for a regression to respective means, but it’s quite clear how much help Ware can supply. Teammates like Kevin Love have lauded Ware’s patient temperament, willingness to improve and simply listen, which has only helped him adjust to the team while awaiting his chance.
Heat with Kel’el Ware On/Off
|
On Court
|
Off Court
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
114 |
1,246 |
|
Def. rating |
91.8 |
111.5 |
|
Net rating |
13.2 |
1.6 |
|
Opp. FG pct |
36.9 |
46.9 |
|
Pace* |
102.2 |
97.5 |
|
*Team possessions per 48 minutes |
Last week, once Miami wrapped up practice, the 2016 NBA champion and 37-year-old backup center related to Ware’s experience of transitioning to the pros.
“I know enough from my experiences that I knew I was going to make my mark and make a difference by rebounding the basketball,” Love told The Athletic. “He allows us to have a whole different dynamic, and that’s a luxury for us — for him to put pressure on the rim, block shots and finish shots as well. On both sides of the ball, just be big … we don’t have that 7-foot, dynamic presence, so I think that’s where he’s going to be able to make his mark and continue to grow.”
Against Orlando last week, Ware put his 7-foot-7 wingspan on display when guarding Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. as the latter stood in the corner. Despite Ware hugging Carter as he spotted up, he was able to sink back into the paint well enough to still block Tristan Da Silva’s layup attempt.
Later in the game, Ware stayed on the weak side as Carter Jr. drove to the paint and bypassed two Heat defenders before getting his own shot rejected.
On offense, Ware adds a great layer with his rim-running, as evidenced here against Orlando. Carter Jr. froze for a half-second while eyeing Tyler Herro coming off a quick screen. Even a subtle lapse is enough for the speedy Ware to use his length and timing to finish the alley-oop dunk over Carter. Jr.
Against Brooklyn on Monday, Miami ran a similar action as Herro curled toward the 3-point line thanks to an off-ball screen from Ware, who ran freely to the rim as Nikola Jović found the rookie center for a clean dunk. Earlier in the game, Ware even knocked down a corner 3-pointer, which only adds to his upside as a resource on offense.
“Man, I’m glad we’re using him,” Adebayo said after the win against Brooklyn. “Big fella can definitely make plays, and that’s what we need. We need that instant energy shift. It’s a different way of how we play, a different style — so, it’s great to have that in the second unit.”
As Ware’s comfort and minutes grow, his chemistry with teammates will only make it easier for him to maintain a spot in Miami’s rotation. His age aligns with the timelines of Adebayo (27) and Herro (24). Adebayo being able to slide down to play more power forward could be a dream come true for Heat fans and an outright nightmare for opponents. Herro, who is averaging a team-high five assists this season, is already looking forward to more big plays unfolding alongside Miami’s prized rookie.
“I love playing with Kel’el,” Herro said Monday. “I just look forward to the growth of our chemistry, our two-man action — and then, the growth of Kel’el himself. He’s been really, really good since we’ve gotten him. From the beginning of training camp, you see the glimpses, the skill set … just the raw versatility that he brings on both ends. He’s so effective defensively, just protecting the rim, making everything difficult. And then, on offense, you see the lob threat. You just throw it up there, and he goes and gets it. I love playing with guys like that.”
(Top photo: Issac Baldizon / Getty Images)
