Miami Heat big man Kel’el Ware burst onto the scene in his rookie campaign. The 7-foot big averaged 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game across 64 games, including 36 starts.
There were some inconsistencies along the way, including in the Heat’s first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But Ware, who turned 21-years-old earlier this month, earned some recognition Tuesday for being one of the NBA’s top rookies.
While he wasn’t a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award, the No. 15 overall pick in last year’s draft tallied four third-place votes for the award, finishing sixth behind Zach Edey, Alex Sarr, Jaylen Wells, Zaccharie Risacher and, the award-winner, Stephon Castle.
The other two rooks who made the ballot were Chicago’s Matas Buzelis, who made a late-season surge, and Philadelphia’s Jared McCain, who only played 23 games because of a season-ending torn meniscus he suffered in mid-December.
For Rookie of the Year and the All-Rookie teams (that will be announced at a later date), you don’t have to fit under the 65-game minimum. Thus, Ware will be eligible to make either All-Rookie team–and he has a convincing case to be a first-teamer.
He finished 12th among rookies in total points, fourth in rebounds, sixth in blocks, fifth in field goal percentage (min. 150 FGA), second in win shares, fifth in win shares per 48 and tied for first in value over replacement player (0.7).
I was oftentimes critical of the rookie’s strength (or lack thereof) and body positioning, but he showed a fairly good motor throughout the season–which was a pre-draft red flag last year–with very strong hands, good shooting touch inside 10 feet and rim protection. The shot was very inconsistent, and growth isn’t always linear.
Though he showcased encouraging flashes on both sides of the floor alongside Bam Adebayo, despite their offense being a little funky together. The spacing and functionality weren’t always there, though it’s unfair to pin those solely on those two.
All in all, it was a successful season for Ware, who’s hoping to parlay his first taste of NBA basketball into something greater in future seasons. What was your overall take on his season, and what are you expecting him to improve heading into next year? Let us know in the comments!
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The sky is the limit for Kel’el. He should come back a little bigger and more focused on what he has to do to elevate his game. It’s a process (especially for centers) that doesn’t happen overnight. If he works hard and learns and gains skill and confidence along the way, he has the potential to be an all-star or make the all defensive team one day.