The Miami Heat Summer League squad plays its third of five games on Monday night against the Boston Celtics. It will be a second night of a back-to-back for the Heat after losing 92-72 to the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday evening.
Kel’el Ware owned up to his poor play over the Heat’s first three games, scoring a team-high 21 points with nine rebounds and three blocks in Monday’s loss — a clear step up from where he was previously. His defensive positioning and box outs still left plenty to be desired, but Ware was noticeably more active and aggressive. Outside of Pelle Larsson and Erik Stephenson’s shot-making, the Heat struggled mightily, especially on the glass.
In their last two games, the Heat have surrendered 42 combined offensive rebounds — including 22 on Monday. That’s unacceptable at every level. We’ll see whether or not they can hold their own against Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh and the Boston Celtics.
Heat rookie Kasparas Jakucionis will not be in Monday’s starting lineup, but is active, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Here is our gamethread below!
Miami Heat Las Vegas Summer League Starters:
- Kira Lewis Jr., G
- Erik Stevenson, G
- Pelle Larsson, G/F
- Keshad Johnson, F
- Kel’el Ware, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
- TV: ESPNU/ESPN+
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This was a better coached game, despite glaring mistakes and miscues. The last two previous games, I thought the Heat were experimenting with coaching style.
A win, finally.
Ware is better lately, which is a good sign. I m glad for Keshad, but I doubt thats enough to be a NBA player.
Standard Pelle.
I want that fat guy from Boston.
I disagree about Keshad. I’m not expecting him to get 22 points often, but if he plays with that level of intensity each game, he’ll be a solid contributor. He has good size, is strong as an ox, and plays good defense. If he can just average 10-12 ppg, 5 rebounds, a block and a steal per game, he’d be a good 8, 9, or 10 guy off the bench. He will be fighting for minutes with Highsmith, Jaquez, Rozier, and Simone.
His problem is, that he cant provide one single thing at really high level. For example, he is worse defender then HH, he cant making plays like Nico, he is not polished as JJJ in the rim, he cant shot as Simone, and he is less agressive then Pelle.
If something, Heat needs an excellent rebounder, but he is not that either.
His strength is athletism, but he rarely comes in position to make that ability useful.
I wish him the best, but I didn’t see any improvements in a year since he is with the Heat.
I have a strong feeling this summer league is his last chance to show something more. I didn’t saw that till now. Pity, Heat needs that type of player, preferably a good rebounder.
I agree, I don’t think he can get ahead of HH, JJJ, Simone, Niko in the rotation. He is well built and athletic, but that’s about it. We can assume our starting 5 is more less decided with Ty, Norm, Wiggs, Bam and Ware. He would have to be better than any of those 4 guys mentioned to earn his spot in the rotation and he clearly isn’t.
He is also a good facilitator for his teammates in offense but overall, I don’t see him pushing ahead in this crowded field. Heat needs a replacement for Duncan and a two way player if they can get one. I don’t see him being any of the two. I like his commitment to the game but lacking in the needed skill set. Stephenson and Cookie if their defense can be better, may deserve another look.
I thought this summer league will confirm that our young players are among best in the league, and that there are some interesting players in the pipeline.
But, Keshad was quite a disappointment, Ware has effort issues, KJ has one good game. Only Pelle seems a bit better then last year.
Other players?
Cooke, Stephenson and Lewis are better then others, but I don’t see real potential there. Good players, but not NBA level players.
I m bit disappointed.
KJ has a lot of potential, but he is a long term project, he most likely won’t see any meaningful pt this season. I am a little concerned about Ware, but I hope he is going to improve gradually. I think Pelle belongs to the team. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the eurobasket. Others had better or worse peformances but nothing that would really stand out. I hope Dru comes back strong after all the bad luck in the past 2 seasons. And we still need that backup (or starting) center, but I don’t see many available.
Although I was hoping for more from him, I now realize he’s not quite ready for the “big show.” Another half season at Sioux Falls should help. If they still see potential for growth, they can sign him up for 3 years on a minimum contract and continue developing him.
What happened to this guy?
Oumar Ballo, a 7’0″ 260 lb center from Mali, is a potential draft prospect for the 2025 NBA draft. He’s known for his strong build, post play, and rebounding ability. He played for Gonzaga and Arizona before transferring to Indiana for his final college season. While not a highly touted prospect, he has garnered attention for his size, strength, and scoring touch in the paint.
Maybe they’re trying to stash him so he can stay with the SkyForce. He looked good in the few minutes he has played.
Great game from pelle, whose shown, he ready for more minutes, love his tougness,and penchant to draw fouls. I like ware progression in summer league getting better every game. Also his motor last 2 games has been good, after spo called him out. Keshad played his best game was aggressive and showed more shooting touch, and 2 way athleticism, hope he can show more as the season progresses.
Yes, both players bounced back nicely, especially Keshon, who put his athleticism on display.
Yes sir can’t wait see more from them next game, and more from kaspar, since Pelle going to play euroball.
Ha, looks like Pelle Larson decided to make something out of his last Summer League game. Straight main character energy, putting up 24 and 6 and getting Walsh ejected lol. Looks like we also got a Maximum Effort game from Kel’el Ware too.
Keshad looking much better today
Interesting to see Ware and Vlad on court together. Cooke next 2-way? Pelle looking good.
Cooke been decent, better then Stevenson and kira, but I rather see if they can steal someone else from another roster. Before giving Cooke a 2 way contract.
I agree
Let’s go Heat! Forgot about game.
Some of the SL is not ready for prime timers. Boston particularly has some odd characters. Decent basketball players though.
Much better first period. Several players having bounce back starts.