Should Kel'el Ware be in the Rookie of the Year conversation?

One of the brightest spots from an otherwise miserable first 43 games of the 2024-25 Miami Heat season is rookie Kel’el Ware, who’s surpassed expectations after recently earning regular minutes in the rotation.

For the season, the 7-foot big is averaging 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game on 56.9 percent shooting, including 37.5 percent from deep (1.7 3PA) and 74.2 percent from the free-throw line (1.1 FTA). On a per-75-possession basis, Ware’s averaging a remarkable 19.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game–outstanding production for a big who still needs to pack on more weight.

There’s still half the season left, but he’s been one of the league’s best rookies. In fact, betting markets suggest he should be atop Rookie of the Year voting; Action Network’s consensus leaderboard now has Ware as a +140 favorite ahead of Stephon Castle (+280), Alex Sarr (+350), Jaylen Wells (+450) and Zach Edey (+1500), respectively.

Should Kel’el Ware be in Rookie of Year conversation?

First, it’s worth noting that Ware has only played 28 of the team’s 43 games–meaning he can only miss two games the rest of the regular season to qualify under the 65-game minimum threshold.

While his full-season numbers don’t offer a full scope of his play, he’s still 11th among rookies in points per game, sixth in rebounds and fourth in rebound percentage and block percentage. Though he does lead all rookies in box plus-minus, player efficiency rating (PER) and win-shares per 48 minutes.

He certainly has a case to be included in the discussion. There’s been no clear standout rookie, even though Missi, Castle, Wells and Sarr have all gotten more consistent run than Miami’s No. 15 overall pick. That said, Ware’s recent play–despite only starting two games–has been incredibly encouraging. Regardless of Butler’s status for the rest of the season, tailoring the rest of the season toward Ware–as well as Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic–should be a priority.

Hanifan: Kel’el Ware is taking steps in right direction

He’s made significant strides since Summer League, when he had issues with physicality, consistency, body positioning and shooting mechanics. The more he’s played, the more consistent he’s looked. The 7-footer has been invaluable as a vertical spacer while also being an improved rim deterrent with great coordination.

As I say all the time: Growth isn’t always linear. It won’t be with Ware, either, just like it wasn’t with Herro, Jaquez or Jovic, among plenty of other Heat examples.

At this rate, he could very well be a finalist if he plays the rest of the season at the level he’s currently playing at, assuming he doesn’t miss any more time. I don’t think he should be the frontrunner above Missi, Castle or Wells quite yet. But he also shouldn’t be that far away, either.