Over the past few weeks, the rise of rookie Kel’el Ware has added a new dynamic to the Miami Heat’s frontcourt. His starting lineup insertion has allowed Bam Adebayo to finally slide over to the power forward slot, and the 7-foot Ware has held it down as the team’s new big man.
His emergence with the Heat rotation has turned heads of plenty fans and media around the league. And now the NBA has recognized his talents as the Eastern Conference’s Rookie of the Month for January.
Miami’s scouting department needs a lot of credit with this honor, as the organization has had a Rookie of the Month player on the roster for the second consecutive season. Jaime Jaquez Jr. earned that feat several times last year, along with landing a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie first team.
Kel’el Ware is currently the betting favorite for the Rookie of the Year award.
Ware’s presence in the lineup has added a different dimension to the Heat roster. Coach Erik Spoelstra now has the privilege to run both small and big lineups, and the pairing alongside Adebayo has looked promising. Ware has had several standout performances since his starting unit promotion, including back-to-back double-doubles in his first two starts of the season.
In that very first career start, Ware submitted a 20 points and 15 rebounds outing. But his breakthrough took place at home in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, where Spoelstra showcased the Adebayo-Ware minutes for the first time.
In that game, he tied his season-high with 25 points to go along with 8 rebounds on 10 of 19 shooting.
He has provided the Heat with a true rim protector and lob threat, to go along with the two-way versatility as a reliable floor spreader from 3-point range.
Although it is still early, Ware is already building some strong chemistry with the Heat’s All-Star’s leading the way in Adebayo and Tyler Herro. The pick and roll connection between Herro and Ware has been beautiful to witness, and it’s just the beginning of what’s to come.
The talented big man is still only 20 years old and has shown a willingness to learn and grow every day. The sky is the limit for Ware’s potential, as Heat Nation continues to regularly showcase their excitement from their special rookie.
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Good job kid. More pls. And yes credit to the scouting staff.
And Riley!
A refreshingly beautiful write up to Ware’s achievement. Congrats to both Kel’el Ware and Dan Riccio
Some well deserved good news.
Great news! Butler must be disappointed that the Heat can exist and improve without him. The Heat future is bright – without Butler.
congrats baby wemby rookie of the year soon to follow
Congratulations Kel’el. You have a long, productive and prosperous career ahead of you. I’m so glad that Bam can finally play his natural position and be able to create havoc all over the floor, both offensively and defensively. Now, the Heat just need two more stars (a true two-way point guard and small forward) to go along with Adebayo, Herro and Ware. Once they get rid of Butler (whether by the trade deadline or this summer) they will be able to do just that.
60% set need 40% more agree