Since entering the starting lineup in early January, Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware has been one of the NBA’s most productive rookies.
Through 43 games (17 starts), he is averaging 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and one block per game on 54.0 percent shooting, including 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 73.9 percent from the free-throw.
With less than 25 games remaining in the season, is the 7-foot rookie productive enough to win Rookie of the Year? Let’s examine!
Does Kel’el Ware have chance to win Rookie of the Year?
The former No. 15 has unquestionably risen into one of the 2024 NBA Draft’s most productive big men. Entering Sunday, he’s currently logged the 13th-most points, but with the fifth-most rebounds with the sixth-best field goal percentage and fourth-most win shares.
That said, most sportsbooks suggest he’s no slam dunk to win the award. According to Action Network’s consensus rankings, Ware has the fourth-best odds at winning the award.
He trails San Antonio’s Stephon Castle–the league frontrunner–as well as Memphis’ second-round rookie Jaylen Wells and Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher, the top-overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, respectively.
He will have to put together a strong final 24 games to lobby consideration, even though he will have to play at least 22 more games due to the 65-game minimum rule. Click the link to check out Ware’s odds across safe sports betting apps.
Over his last six games, he’s averaged 10.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 57.4 percent shooting. He’ll need to up his scoring and overall efficiency–especially from 3-point range (18.2 percent)–while being consistently impactful on the defensive end and on the glass.
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Knee sprains take weeks to months to heal. As a result, Ware won’t meet the 65 game minimum. Too bad.
And now he’s got a knee sprain
Kel’el Ware reacts to Erik Spoelstra’s questionable decision in Heat collapse vs. Knicks
https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/kelel_ware_reacts_to_erik_spoelstras_questionable_decision_in_heat_collapse_vs_knicks/s1_17113_41844693
If he had been playing regularly before January he might have had a chance. He is definitely first team all rookie material. Give him 2 years to bulk up and learn his craft. Dude is gonna be a monster.
hes a monster now but i guess terry is to lol.that first half he had bam can only dream about that
Monster = 20ppg, 10rpg, 2bpg, 40% 3pt,, able to defend 3-5, no prima donna attitude.
i think if spo lets him play 35 mins a game 3bpg would be attainale.he is so friggin long has such great instincts when to jump to block shot.i doubt 40% on 3s though.either way clearly 3 rd best player on team and this friggin coach hardly played him in 4th.went with rozier who should never play but dru is hurt so just dont play with a pg