The Miami Heat played their first of five NBA 2K26 Summer League games on Friday in Las Vegas, Nev., where all 30 teams are gathered.
There have been a few notable standouts for the Heat, including a pair of second-year players in Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson.
However, Heat second-year big man Kel’el Ware, who made second-team All-Rookie last season, has been anything but impactful this summer. He had just 10 points and six rebounds on 4-of-9 shooting in Friday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks after averaging just 13.0 points and five rebounds in last weekend’s California Classic.
And Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was very candid about Ware’s professionalism and consistency.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra says Kel’el Ware’s professionalism, consistency need to improve:
Spoelstra spoke to reporters on Saturday and was brutally honest regarding a few of the 7-footer’s intangibles:
“The professionalism and consistency has to improve — and it is,” he said. “Our standards aren’t going to change. He’s getting stronger, gaining weight, and learning how to be a pro. But he’s got to take ownership of it. And the other stuff will come along with that.”
It’s rare that Spoelstra calls out of a player to this degree; this feels eerily similar to how he occasionally addressed former Heat big Hassan Whiteside, ironically enough.
Ware, 21, hasn’t been good in Summer League after making second-team All-Rookie. A lot of his movements and intentions look lethargic; his rebounding, screen-setting, rim protection, rolls and body positioning have been quite poor, which is very concerning for a second-year player against weaker competition. Summer League, in the grand scheme of things, won’t be indicative of most players’ careers. ‘
There’s more nuance because Ware has added muscle — how has him putting on pounds affected his body movements and fluidity, and has that been a detriment? We don’t know, but what we do know is that he’s simply not playing well — nor does he look like he’s trying to play well — against inferior talent. We also know that Summer League head coach Eric Glass wanted Ware to become more consistent before arriving in Las Vegas … and now one of the most important figures in the organization voiced similar thoughts.
What are your thoughts on Spoelstra’s comments? Let us know in the comment section below!
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No surprise here. Lots of teams passed on him based on his pre-draft motor concerns. To play at this level you cannot possibly take any plays off…period. He does defend the rim defensively meaning he’ll leave his man to help out unlike Bam who usually stays with his man or “his yard”. Again…I’d say to him you’re gonna play say 5 minute intervals to go dominate both ends so play like your life depends on it. Then come out for couple minutes then back in. Build up the stamina & mindset. He acts like he’s pacing himself almost so his head needs a reboot.
Let’s be patient . He has already shown he is capable of competing on a high level .
Sure. As Spo said, the talent is there, no doubt. But he can’t take plays off or be passive when he steps on the court.
FALLBACK POSITION
If Ware doesn’t work out, I wonder what kind of return a trade package of Ware and Herro could produce? There are several rebuilding teams with assets (young players and draft picks) who might be interested in a blockbuster trade.
Jalen Brunson for Ware?
Absolutely! However, he must be held accountable. He must be willing to embrace the work ethic associated with Heat Culture. He cannot be allowed to revert to the past pattern of laziness he demonstrated in college, as summarized in his draft profile.
“Ware has been described as having a streaky motor, with stretches of disappearing from games, especially on defense. This inconsistency in effort raises questions about his long-term potential and ability to contribute consistently at the NBA level.”
As I said, he need some tough love right now. we dont need another Whiteside.
Miami Heat first round pick already looks like the most obvious steal of the 2025 NBA Draft (FANSIDED)
In the last week, the Heat’s backcourt has taken a huge step forward after acquiring Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade that also involved the Utah Jazz. Powell and Tyler Herro are expected to be the starters for Miami’s backcourt, with Terry Rozier and Davion Mitchell being the second options off the bench. So, where does that leave Jakucionis?
Depending on his performance throughout the rest of the summer league, Jakucionis could be a reliable third option in the Heat’s backcourt to start the season. The potential to improve as the season goes on could make Jakucionis a possible second option for Miami, as the health of Rozier is always a concern for the Heat.
Kel’el will never reach his full potential until he is serious about his career, every day. He can have the world at his feet in a couple of years or crash and burn before he ever gets started. He has UD, Zo, Mitchell and others to learn from. He has to put in the work and go 100% whenever he puts on the Heat uniform and plays in a Miami game, even a summer league one. Otherwise, he won’t be around very long and will have no one to blame but himself.
No excuses and no regrets.
His effort and interest in playing in the summer league has been poor (and that might be generous).
But just last month he was ‘untouchable’, so probably don’t need to over react based on summer play.
If he’s outta the rotation come the start of the year, might be time to panic.
Playing like that he will be out of rotation very soon. The problem is, that Bam wont want to play C any more. So, because we dont have another center, there will be small ball, probably with Nico at C.
Right now, if no other changes happen, Nico has a great opportunity. He is the player who can shore up our weakest area, the PF/C, and start or give Bam a rest. I still think that whatever happens, we need another inexpensive Thomas Bryant type replacement, hopefully more like Andre Drummond than Bryant.
Agree.
Unfortunately, Drummond is not a free agent any more.
Bryant is still available.
So, Goldin or Bryant… or there is Bol Bol.
Boucher still out there as well, and I would take a chance on bol bol.
Boucher is not a center, but I like him. Bol Bol probably not Heat type of guy.
Nico is not a PF or C. He is a natural point (small) forward. He is neither tough enough nor inclined to bang with the big boys. That is not his nature.
Miami needs a legitimate two-way PF/C type to rotate with Bam and Ware. That person should have the potential ability to be groomed to replace Ware, if push comes to shove.