One of the premier positives of the rocky 2025-26 Miami Heat season was how many of their young players progressed, namely Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson.
Ware, in particular, showcased several flashes of stardom — even though consistency still lacked from the sophomore big. Nevertheless, Ware turned in a productive year across 77 games, averaging 11.0 points and nine rebounds across 22.1 minutes per game.
During his end-of-season press conference last week, Heat star and captain Bam Adebayo, who oftentimes played alongside Ware, shared an interesting perspective as to why Ware can be “great.”
“I feel like he can be great.” he said. “I feel like Kel’el is a lot more comfortable when I’m out there just because somebody’s actively talking to him. And that might be aggravating, but that was [Dwyane Wade] when I was rookie, when I was a second-year player. He used to piss me all of the time because he used to always talk to me. Him and [Udonis Haslem] — one was in the game aggravating me and then I would come to the bench and then it was UD getting on my nerves.
“You need that if you want to tap into your ceiling if you want to get to places where you don’t think you can get. You need those conversations; you need those buildups; you need those honest conversations … It’s helped me, so my job is to help him.”
The Kel’el Ware-Bam Adebayo tandem was still a mixed bag in 2025-26:
One of the bigger storylines throughout the season revolved around Ware and Adebayo’s playing time — or lack thereof — together. Through the first three months, the duo looked horrendous. But an early February bout against the lowly Washington Wizards flipped the script, thus gaining more trust from Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
It was still a mixed bag, but Ware-Adebayo together finished with plus-6.7 NET, a steady improvement from the plus-4.2 NET a year ago, according to Cleaning The Glass. However, it is slighly deceiving.
They feasted on poor frontcourts, while struggled to find consistency against anything average or better. Across 189 minutes against bottom-10 teams, they were a plus-30.1; in 250 minutes against defenses ranked in the top-half, they were a dismal minus-9.7.
While it’s imperative they continue to build more comfortability with one another next year, it’s just as important they develop more consistency against stiffer competition to justify those minutes. We’ve seen Adebayo hold the fort; we’ve seen, at times, Ware hold down the fort.
Now it would behoove the Heat to figure out how both can do it together.
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I, for one, am tired of what I consider a totally distorted knock on Ware. Virtually everyone in the league seems to recognize his value and potential with rare exception. Is he perfect? Of course not. He’s a 22 year old in his second year in the league. There is plenty he can continue to improve on. But to suggest he has not proven to be a rotation player is the height of absurdity, and smells of a personal bias well beyond any statistical analysis. The fact is, he IS already a rotation player. His minutes this year are identical to last season, and he has improved in ppg, rpg, orpg, 3p%, ft%, and steals pg. His to and pf have slightly decreased. His fg% fell from 55.4% to 53%, and his apg from .9 to .7. Still a pretty good overall performance in my opinion.
I googled “is Ware a good player?” and the response is below. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but there is no doubt whatsoever that most people, novices like me as well as experts, recognize his value.
Kel’el Ware’s trade value in the NBA is exceptionally high, considered a premier young asset (rising talent, ~2024 rookie scale contract) often cited in high-stakes trade discussions as a cornerstone piece for Miami, with his value sometimes projected around multiple first-round picks. While seen as a “untouchable” or primary trade chip by some, his value is occasionally debated based on his limited, yet promising, playing time.
Key Trade Indicators:
A rotation player is someone who can win their minutes or hold even in their minutes. People here want Ware to play regardless of performance because he was a high draft pick (same as fans of other teams with their teams high picks), but according to coaches in the NBA you don’t get gifted minutes in the NBA, you have to earn them. Only on a tanking team do young players get minutes regardless of performance, because the goal is to lose games.
It’s also worth pointing out that Spoelstra called out Ware’s professionalism last offseason, which was highly unusual. That was a concern predraft in scouting Ware. This year there was a full season of minutes where the Heat were a terrible defense and defensive rebounding team with Ware on the court. Pointing that out may be unpopular but it’s not due to a personal bias, it’s factual and the goal is to understand how the game works.
People here want him to play because he was a high draft pick? Who are you referring to? I am not familiar with a single person here who has said or suggested that.
Spo did call out his professionalism and it was well deserved. There have been times motivation was an issue. And he still needs to improve, particularly on the defensive side.
’the goal is to understand how the game works’. So, YOU know how the game works and people here don’t? There are quite a number of people here that have watched and are familiar with the nuances of this game for decades. It is clear that you disagree with the majority of people here, as well as the majority of NBA writers, coaches, players, and front office staff. You can believe anything what you want, but I value the opinion, specifically in this case about Ware, of the multitude of people who KNOW that Ware is a young, valued, up and coming player.
The conversation all year among Heat fans and blue check Heat twitter was that Spoelstra is lacking as a coach because he didn’t play Ware. It was suggested it was personal on Spo’s part. But if you look at the impact stats it’s clear why Ware’s minutes were limited, and then were paired with Bam late in the season to limit the drastic effect on defense and rebounding when Ware plays. Spo made references to this in an indirect way in interviews, about the need for rebounding etc.
I’ve never claimed to be an expert here. The great thing about basketball is anyone can play it and anyone can understand it if they look at it. The scouting consensus on players is often wrong. Fans may be high on Ware’s potential but there is no way he could be traded for multiple firsts as that AI summary suggests. I’m guessing front offices are slightly lower on Ware after this year and that is why Zach Lowe said he was higher on Ware than consensus.
I agree totally that there is little chance of Ware being worth any more than 1 first round draft pick. But again, here is that ‘anyone can understand it (the game) if they look at it’. I’m not sure if you mean in general or with respect to the people here. There are times I strongly disagree with hfl, 30, hhhf4l, or SunMan, but the one thing I’d never question is their knowledge and passion for the Heat and sports in general. And it is definitely not just fans who are high on Ware’s potential. Besides our own tv and radio personalities, I’ve heard positive opinions from others who are neutral, most recently from the Prime announcers.
You say you never claimed to be an expert here. Like most folks here, I also am no expert. I often learn from others, even from you, and I try to understand other points of view. Of course, when I strongly disagree with an opinion, I will try to base my response on common sense, history, and facts. I’ve been watching basketball since the Frazier, Monroe, Russell, Bradley, Reed, and Phil Jackson days of the Knicks. I must’ve learned something along the way, even if by accident. It would be refreshing if I read something from you, such as ‘I disagree with you for the reasons mentioned, but I can see and respect your position’.
Anyone can understand the game but most people don’t. A lot of the discourse here is driven by narratives that are amplified on social media that have nothing to do with what is happening on the court. The “Spo doesn’t like Ware” this season was an example. But anyone with a blue check on twitter gets paid for posting stuff like that and having people engage with it, even if it has no value. Same dynamic with sports TV talk shows.
I try to look beyond that stuff and what I post is factual, not sure where you’re getting the idea that I am not respectful simply for having an opinion different than consensus, and backing it up with observations and facts. The replies I get are usually personal attacks, which comes with the territory on a site like this. There is a lot of racism in comments here and I call that out, otherwise it’s just talking basketball. I post trying to think through my opinions and learn more. It’s basically impossible to have a basketball conversation though.
Riley should trade Ware so he can develop into a very good Center elsewhere and come back to Miami and kick some booty. Ware has a higher ceiling as a center than Bam does. Put him on a team with a good power forward, a top notch playmaking point guard and a progressive coach and watch him take off. There are several NBA teams that would be more than willing to take Ware off of Miami’s hands.
Developing a player like Ware takes 2-4 years and a lot of patience. If Riley has patience for Jovic to develop, (4 years and counting), he should have at least the same for Ware, who has a much higher ceiling. The more minutes Ware plays, the faster he will develop. The problem is Riley/Spo prefer being a mediocre play-in team rather than a rebuilding team with young players with higher potential who require playing time.
Speaking of playing time, why didn’t they send Jovic to G League to get minutes and get his head and game together. Instead, he was relegated to the end of bench, game after game, month after month, with nothing to do but think (negative thoughts). That was wasted time and didn’t to a thing to help him get out of his funk. He’s very down on himself now as a result. He’ll require intensive therapy and individual coaching to get over this phase (before his $62M contract kicks in).
We don’t know exactly what level Ware will rise to, but he certainly has the size and tools to make an All Star team at some point. But, of course, what do we know?
Gotta ask…who else is sick of Doris Burke? I’ve reached for the mute button for years when she speaks. Cannot stand mouthy meaningless drivel when trying to watch a game. I pray one day there’s only a sound feed with zero commentary …just game sound creating the atmosphere if you were there live on the sideline, court side, or ringside. Just include a running info ticker on bottom of screen. These streaming services have add-free options so why not one without have 8 people telling you what you’ve already seen !
ive mentioned it bunch of times cant listen to her rant on and on and on she ruins the game for me.candace parker on the other hand is very good
For me, it’s not even what she says, but more so her incredibly monotone voice. She is a sure cure for insomnia.
Having spent 40+ years listening to the animated wit, knowledge and humor of Chick Hearn and Vin Skully, she’s a big drop off. Eric is very good compared to most other commentators.
“They feasted on poor frontcourts, while struggled to find consistency against anything average or better.”
Is it because Bam is a bit small at 6-9? Or Ware a bit soft still a sophomore?
Meanwhile…JJJ placing second in voting for MIP next to Spurs player. Though Jaime’s stats are better…oh well, that’s what happens when your team is insignificant. Ouch!
I think your second paragraph sums up why they didn’t excel against the better front lines. I would love to see them with a third big, a solid backup to spell each of them and allow each more freedom to play what each does best. I think if we had that they would work quite well as a combination and as contributors to the whole team. Our front line could become one of our greatest strengths.
its up to bam and ware to figure out how to play with each other(that sounds weird)the goat and wade took some time,these guys upstairs dont have it yet.bb ball iq low for both id say.we dont factor in intelligence with athletes that always plays a role in their effectiveness..
If I am comparing two similar athletes, I will generally prefer the smarter of the two.
orl got their split go magic.i am not seeing duren playing bad d 2015
Did you watch Duren vs Miami this year? On Jan 1. Bam was +17, Duren -17. On March 8, Bam was +13, Duren -18.
bam is a good 2 way player we need great players however.where is bam in crunch time.we need closers.bam is not a center.ware is.bam has max contract riley got juked againbam is a problem no bam is the solution no.2015s fav player is bam.his least fav ware .2015 loves stats hfl loves the eye test.
So much focus on Bam vs Ware comparisons, when their games are very different other than both playing the same position.
In terms of talent/impact, Bam is in All-NBA conversations, Ware hasn’t shown he is a NBA rotation player. Reading comments here you’d think they’re the same level of player, or even that Ware is better.
Rating centers based on their height and talent based on where someone is drafted will lead to conclusions that don’t match reality. Getting too attached to draft position is a mistake fans make year after year – where someone is drafted ultimately means nothing.
Ware should be paired with Bam or another big physical athletic PF to be his most effective. There is no excuse for leaving him out there on an island with insufficient support. Again, I don’t know what Riley was thinking when he chose not to acquire a back-up PF/C before the deadline. That is gross mismanagement.
shnozzy 6 10 240
The P in PF stands for Power not p****.
Ware was supposed to be the backup center, with Jovic as the third big. But the Heat were terrible when Ware was in the game for Bam, and could not keep a lead in those minutes.
Ware lost his minutes overall this year regardless of who he played with. Databallr has Ware at -1.7 in 1483 minutes. That is propped up by 461 minutes with Bam where he was +8.5. In the remaining 1022 minutes he was -6.2.
Ware was the 15th pick in a very weak draft. He hasn’t proven to be a rotation player in the NBA. His value in a trade is probably still positive (Zach Lowe just said he is higher on Ware than the consensus, although he says that about a lot of players). But teams will already be looking at the on off and rebounding numbers with Ware on the court and asking why he did not have a good year on a team that was trying to win and for an organization known for player development. That’s why I think including Ware in a trade this offseason midway through his rookie deal makes a lot of sense. Another year of the same numbers and with his rookie deal almost up would change how he is viewed in a trade.
I agree, it was so obvious what our biggest needs were. Then, giving Jovic his contract only threw salt in our wounds as then they tried to shoehorn him into a position he wasn’t cut out for and it wasn’t good for him or the team. And after they basically gave up on Jovic, at least for last year, they didn’t want to pay for an adequate replacement. That really hurt this team as we would still be playing if we had a quality third big to spell Bam and Kel’el. Yeah, maybe we wouldn’t have gotten deep in the playoffs, but it would not have been a complete embarrassment like what Cleveland did to us the year before. It was a huge mistake by Riley.
Exactly! Ware and Bam can be a very effective duo in the future. They just need more playing time together. In addition, Miami still needs a back-up PF/C. A good athletic physical PF could be paired with either Bam or Ware.
orl det tier two teams they aint doing nothing west coast teams would wipe them out
Pretty obvious pure plain & simple from watching these early playoff games that Heat roster lacks the size, physicality, and intensity of a playoff team.
True. And it is obvious. I believe there are at least two steps higher of intensity than the Heat bring, correlating with each round of the playoffs.,
Ware will continue to improve. The key this offseason is to get a third big in the rotation to help out with the non-Bam minutes. Assuming that the Heat are going to draft the best player available, that probably leaves the Heat to use part of all of the MLE on a veteran big this offseason. The Heat should have access to the non-taxpayer MLE this offseason. The 2025-26 non-taxpayer MLE was $14.1M, and is projected to bump up to $15M this offseason.
Potential FA bigs this offseason:
Kristaps Porzingis – $30M last season – UFA, Warriors have Bird rights
John Collins – $25M last season – UFA, Clippers have Bird rights
Nikola Vucevic – $20M last season – UFA, Celtics have Bird rights
Jusuf Nurkic – $17.5M last season – UFA, Jazz have Bird rights
Zach Collins – $17.4M last season – UFA, Bulls have Bird rights
Mitchell Robinson – $15M last season – UFA, Knicks have Bird rights
Rui Hachimura – $17M last season – UFA, Lakers have Bird rights
Kelly Olynyk – $13M last season – UFA, Spurs have Bird rights
Robert Williams – $12M last season – UFA, Blazers have Bird rights
Mo Wagner – $11M last season – UFA, Magic have Bird rights
Maxi Kleber – $11M last season – UFA, Lakers have Bird rights
Dean Wade – $6.1M last season – UFA, Cavs have Bird rights
Andre Drummond – $5M last season – UFA, Sixers have Bird rights
Jaxson Hayes -$3.4M last season – UFA, Lakers have Bird rights
Thomas Bryant – $3.2M last season – UFA
Drew Eubanks – $3M last season – UFA
Marvin Bagley III – $3M last season – UFA
Precious Achiuwa – $2M last season – UFA
Porzingis probably re-ups with the Warriors so not expecting him to be in consideration. Clips traded away Zubac, so they probably will keep John Collins.
My favorite out of this list is Time Lord, Robert Williams. He’s injury prone but is still an elite rim protector and is only 28 years old. I think it’s worth throwing the full MLE at him and see if he’s willing to leave Portland. He’d be the perfect defensive anchor to play next to Ware and shore up our non-Bam minutes. Mitchell Robinson would also be a cool pickup, but pretty sure the Knicks would pay him more than the Heat could offer. Jusuf Nurkic would be my third choice. Not quite as good a defender as Time Lord or Mitchell Robinson, but we could still use him to bang when we play against bigs like Jokic, Giannis, or Embiid.
And of course, I’m always willing to bring Precious back. I still think he would have helped us this year, especially in those games when Bam was out and we had to rely on Jovic and Fontecchio as our backup bigs. He’s not really a plus defensive player though, so not sure how he’d do playing next to Ware. Hopefully Ware takes a jump defensively next year.
Excellent comments. Totally agree and wrote something similar before reading this.
Ware on court without Bam: -6.2 in 1022 minutes
Bam on court without Ware: +4.8 in 1673 minutes
11 point swing when Bam was in the game vs Ware
https://databallr.com/wowy/MIA/2026/2026/regular/high/wowy/1628389/1642276
Lack of another center in rotation doesnt do any favor to anybody. So thats that.
Correct. You would think someone with 60 years of experience in the NBA would have figured that out. It’s like deciding not to carry a spare tire. Its ok as long as you dont have a blowout in the desert halfway from SoCal to Vegas.
That already happens, and I m afraid 4 years in in play in… ups… desert, sun makes an old man thinking that he doesn’t need tires at all.
unfort jovic has pf size but thats all he has the size.riley is so done he needs to go on a cruise for lifetime never step near a draft room or sunman room
Herro, Jovic and Smith ($51,784,539) for Morant and Ty Jerome ($51,386,560)? You make the call.
morant wants out why not.starting bc of morant jerome not bad.morant at one time was one of the best players in nba wasnt that long ago when he was single handedly getting grizz to playoffs and beating better teams who just couldnt stop him
If Riley decides he doesn’t want to go through a rebuilding process, he’s going to need to take some risks. Safe moves that result in continued mediocrity are not what the fans want.
no take some chances .no risk no reward.u wont like this but target #1 who will be avail is kawhi leonard.target #2 ja morant both will be avail.this team needs a new look kawhis in great shape hes got 5 years left in him
He’s only played 60+ games 3 times in 9 years. Always seems to be injured when he is needed most. Kind of like Embiid and George.