There has been a recent track record of the Miami Heat hitting on some underrated draft selections over the years. It all started with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, but then was followed up with Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. More recently, they have added even more promise in this developing young core with the 2024 draft selection of Kel’el Ware out of Indiana at the 15th overall pick.
Ware provides the Heat was facets of his game that they have generally lacked over the years; functional size. Ware is listed at 7-foot-0 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan. Although he is a lengthy frontcourt player to pair with Bam Adebayo down the line, he has two-way versatility that can fit in well with Adebayo’s game.
He can guard multiple positions, making him an ideal big that can hold his own on switches defensively. There is also floor spreading capabilities as a guy who can shoot the ball from 3-point range efficiently. His presence alone as a true 7-footer adds an impactful different element to Miami.
The abilities on both ends are encouraging for a 20-year old player. Ware may be raw, but there are boatloads of pedigree and talent here. He has some wing skills and may add legitimate weak-side rim protection. Just like Adebayo, he moves his feet very well for his size.
Udonis Haslem was impressed at Ware’s summer league runs, and had this to say on the Heat’s new big man:
“His motor’s been amazing. The game that he had 26 points and 11 rebounds, the first thing I said was ‘I love the rebounds’. Bring that motor, bring that activity, bring that competitive nature.”
(- Haslem, via Miami Heat)
Being that Haslem is a former 20-year veteran in South Beach, and one of the best bigs to ever put on the franchise’s jersey, this is very optimistic to hear. Haslem owns the Heat’s all-time rebounding record and knows exactly what it takes to become a valuable big man in the Heat’s system.
Ware has averaged 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks on 66.4% TS and 40% from 3-point range across 26.9 minutes a night in his summer league appearances. His impact has also led to winning, as the Heat’s summer roster has gone a perfect 3-0 so far.
The options that coach Erik Spoelstra will have moving forward are intriguing. He can opt to go small with Jovic and Adebayo, or go big with Adebayo and Ware surrounding Jimmy Butler in the frontcourt. It is yet to be seen if Ware can provide that instant impact right out of the gate, similar to Jaquez last year.
But the potential could be endless with the talent and two-way efforts this young man can bring to the table.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
Going forward. I hope to see Bam playing less as a center and have Ware get more minutes as a Center. Bam will be free to play from beyond the rim and finesse his midrange game. The draw back with be the lag time Ware needs to beef up so he does mot get pushed off his position near or under the rim. Ware also needs to be faster at the rim. In the NBA he won’t be getting all that time he is getting in the summer league. It has to be split second emphatic dunks or put back.
Yes, that would be ideal. This could work out very well, and Ware should be able to bulk up adequately. Biggest beneficiary will be to Bam, who will finally play where he is best suited. I still feel like we are another player away, a better two way Tyler upgrade, but Ware gets us closer.
Very interesting player to watch for Miami HEAT