Heading into the 2025-26 Miami Heat season, there was question about who would round out the starting lineup between Nikola Jovic and Kel’el Ware.
Both had up-and-down moments throughout preseason, though both players were also entering the season banged up. Head coach Erik Spoelstra opted to start Jovic on opening night before swapping him with Ware, who started 36 games last season, on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Spoelstra explained his rationale behind the decision after the Heat’s dominant victory over Memphis.
“The last four days of preseason, [Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic] were both hurt,” Spoelstra said after the Heat’s 146-114 win over Memphis. “Minor injuries, but I didn’t know who was going to be available that first night. I was kind of leaning toward this starting lineup going into game one. And then Kel’el had a neck spasm. Then he had a minor sprained ankle, where he didn’t practice a day before the game. But he was moving great in the Orlando game. If I would have known that, I would like to have had more minutes for him. This is a good way to get all three of those guys (Ware, Jovic, Bam Adebayo) minutes they need.
“There might be certain games where it makes more sense to start Niko. It doesn’t really matter, in my mind. … Those guys are going to get minutes and we need Kel’el and Niko to grow and assume more responsibilities as the season goes on.”
Everyone ate in the record-setting victory, but both players played well when they were afforded minutes.
While Ware struggled defensively at the start of the game, he completely ate Memphis alive as a vertical spacer with seven of his eight baskets coming at the rim — including as the recipient of four lobs. He finished with 19 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes. Jovic dominated in the final three quarters, scoring 20 points with six rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes.
The Heat’s starting lineup with Ware and Bam Adebayo together didn’t look perfect, getting outscored by 13 points per 100 possessions in 11 minutes. It’s difficult to take anything away from single game lineup data — especially two games into the season — but their best lineups came with just one of Adebayo/Ware on the floor, not together.
Nevertheless, both players are important for the Heat’s success and long-term outlook. And both must continue to exceed in their respective roles no matter who starts.
Miami steamrolled an injured Grizzlies frontcourt, and now look to secure their second-straight win against Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. EST.
***
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!
- 2026 NBA Draft: 3 potential Heat prospects who improved their stock at combine, and 2 who didn’t
- 5 free agents Heat should target with their full mid-level exception this summer
- Anonymous East excecutive slams Tyler Herro: ‘No one wants him’
- Could a reunion with LeBron James be in the cards for the Miami Heat this summer?
- What can Heat offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer?
- 2026 Miami Heat Mock Draft Roundup: May 14
- Former Heat champion doubts franchise’s ability to build champion around Giannis Antetokounmpo
That’s a stat to watch, the one about how the Heat does collectively with both Bam and Kel’el on the floor. Often times a small sample size can distort the relationship or two players can adjust to each other over time. It will be interesting to observe further as ideally, Ware starting seems to allow Bam to play the four, and Jovic to come off the bench where he appears more comfortable. The drop off in size after Ware is still an apparent weakness. As others have commented, if we had another big, one that provided rim protection, the Heat would have more options and depth. Maybe that will be addressed if we gain some salary relief.