At this time last year, Kel’el Ware was dazzling in Las Vegas as one of the league’s top rookies. There were still deficiencies that needed to be ironed out — such as his body positioning, shooting consistency and strength — but Ware still showcased enticing potential for the first time in a Miami Heat uniform.
The Heat’s No. 15 overall selection parlayed his strong summer in a productive rookie season, averaging 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in 64 games, including 36 starts. He had 15 double-doubles, including a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double in his second career start.
Ware, 21, earned second team All-Rookie and is determined to prove the team right after they didn’t trade him for Kevin Durant last month.
While we know that rookie Kasparas Jakucionis had a disappointing California Classic, so did Ware despite averaging 13.0 points and five rebounds. Heat Summer League head coach Eric Glass acknowledged his inconsistent play with reporters this week.
“I think defensively he had his moments where he was a dominant threat at the rim protecting and then other times he wasn’t getting rebounds,” Glass said, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “He’ll be the first one to tell you that. So I think he can definitely take it up a notch. We’re seeing flashes, but I’d like to see it more consistently. … He’s got areas that he needs to improve on just like every other player, and we’re looking for him to take that step in summer league.”
In the grand scheme of things, how a player plays in Summer League won’t necessarily translate to an NBA floor.
But you want to see your best young players dominate–especially players with at least a year of experience under their belt. Ware’s impact, albeit in only two games, has been night-and-day relative to where it was a year ago.
Ware hasn’t been active on the glass, he’s getting pushed off his spot too easily on both ends, his screen-setting and long-range shooting has been poor, his defensive positioning has been quite poor, he’s not making quick decisions.
He’s still been good as a vertical spacer — his best quality offensively — but there hasn’t been much else. And when you get labeled with motor concerns at any point, you’re going to have to do 125 percent of the work to get 100 percent of the credit.
For the sake of him and the team, I hope he’s able to be more impactful Friday against Atlanta (and however long he plays after), putting together winning habits (consistently) against weaker competiton.
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I took a bit of time to see how future stars are performing.
A new projected star in Dallas managed 10 points with 5-19. Meanwhile, a certain French player, Beringer, which played last year for Slovenian team in 3th level European league, managed 11.
That boy started to play basketball 4 years ago, and came to Slovenia learn basics last year, because it looks nobody wants him in France.
So, in one year he is coming from bench filler in not really good European team to no. 17 pick in NBA, and score more points in the first game then future NBA star and no 1. pick in this years draft.
I still think he is not NBA level player and never will be, but what I know. Just amazing.
2nd year players rules this season summer league. Newbies looks like a bunch of scared chickens , except that French boy.
If thing will go in that direction, KJ performance in past three games will be considered as one of the best.
Second year players do appear to have a big advantage.
I agree with you mostly, but ngl besides that French boy, that boy vj edgecomb looks like a stud to me .
So far…showing the same issues plus the same pre-draft motor concerns. Someone needs to get inside his head and say we’re gonna play you in five minute intervals so go play balls out like a freaking maniac contesting everything defensively at the rim then becoming a black hole in the paint offensively demanding the ball shooting every time down the floor. Sit his ass down whenever he gets exhausted then do another five minutes until he’s able to extend it. Something needs to change giving him the will & confidence to takeover a game on both ends. Remember…these games mean nothing.
Thats a bit worrisome.
I have the same impression. The same player like 3 months ago.
Thats not good.
Wiggins vibes right now. Leaves you wanting more because you know there is so much talent there that they should be balling.
I do think that Cali Classic is sleepy town, so let’s see if there is any difference in energy level tonight.
Play him until you see these things from him. Now if he goes back to back games at 25 and 20 then maybe sit him out that third game. 😉
Another “Debbie Downer.” Lighten up Eric.