MIAMI — Sometimes it can be as simple as clearing a path. In that regard, Thursday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers stands as a reminder of the lengths the Miami Heat already have gone to get the length of rookie Kel’el Ware into the rotation.
With the Heat hosting games on consecutive nights as their schedule grows busier, it meant a quick transition from Wednesday night’s 119-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans to Thursday night’s game against the Pacers at Kaseya Center, as in the Pacers who now feature former Heat center Thomas Bryant as their backup big man.
In recent weeks, the Heat not only passed along Bryant to Indiana, but also have bypassed Kevin Love as their backup center to Bam Adebayo. That has opened a runway for consistent minutes for Ware, the 7-footer out of Indiana.
The victory over the Pelicans was the latest example of how the size and length of last June’s No. 15 pick can add a unique element to the Heat mix, with Ware closing with 10 points, five rebounds and a blocked shot in his 16:42.
The growth, teammates note, has been tangible.
“I mean, me and Kel’el we hang out off the court almost every day. That’s my man right there,” guard Tyler Herro said after scoring 32 against the Pelicans. “So, yeah, I’m excited to just keep growing with him. He listens and soaks everything up.
“So every time he comes out of the game, he’s learned something from his little stint, four or five minutes, he learned something every time he comes out. He’s only going to get better. I’m just really excited to see him grow.”
While Ware playing time wasn’t the sole reason for the Bryant trade at the nominal return of a potential second-round pick swap, it meant one fewer veteran to vault.
“When you play in these games,” coach Erik Spoelstra said, “you learn more.”
That has proven to be a two-way street, with Spoelstra therefore also able to find the best combinations with Ware. Lately, that has had Ware and 2022 first-round pick Nikola Jovic, the big man out of Serbia, routinely playing together.
“And it might be something where certain units play well together and you’re not sure why, or you might not have predicted it going into it,” Spoelstra acknowledged of the trial and error that has found a working fit.
For his part, Ware has embraced the opportunity, a case where the trade of Bryant proved to be addition by subtraction.
“I mean, just being able to be out there and get the experience and play, that’s always a blessing in itself,” Ware said. “So I’m grateful to be able to be out there and help the team.”
Having had to wait his turn as a rookie behind Hassan Whiteside, Adebayo has joked that Ware is getting an opportunity he lacked. The reality is that Adebayo averaged 19.8 minutes in his 69 appearances as a rookie in 2017-18, compared to Ware’s 9.6 in his 16 rookie appearances through Wednesday night.
“I’m glad we’re using him,” Adebayo said. “Big fella can definitely make plays, and that’s who we need. We need that instant energy shift. It’s a different way of how we play, a different style. So it’s great to have that in the second unit.”
While Spoelstra’s demands often can be highly specific, Adebayo said there is a joy in watching Ware play loose and free.
“Run the floor, catch lobs, do the little things that contribute to winning and we’ll figure out everything else,” Adebayo said. “He’ll still developing.
“And like I tell him, I was like, ‘You lucky, you get to play. I didn’t get to play my rookie year.’ So it’s good he’s getting his feet wet. He gets to go out there and make mistakes, but also learn as well.”
There was a time earlier in the season when there were questions about the pick, with No. 16 selection Jared McCain thriving with the Philadelphia 76ers and No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht emerging with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, with a runway further cleared by the Bryant trade, Ware’s time seemingly has arrived.
“The comfort level is the more and more I play, the more comfortable I’m going to get,” Ware, 20, said, “So it’s like, keep that going.”
Originally Published:
Miami Heat’s rookie center, Kel’el Ware, is making the most of his opportunity in his debut season with the team. The 7-foot-1 prospect has been impressing fans and coaches alike with his size, athleticism, and skills on the court.
Ware, who was selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has quickly become a key contributor off the bench for the Heat. In his limited playing time, he has shown flashes of his potential as a dominant force in the paint, blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and finishing around the rim with authority.
Despite his raw talent and inexperience at the NBA level, Ware has been a quick learner and has shown a willingness to work hard and improve his game. He has been putting in extra hours in the gym, working on his shooting, footwork, and conditioning to become a more well-rounded player.
With his size, length, and agility, Ware has the potential to be a game-changer for the Heat in the future. His development and progress throughout the season will be crucial for the team’s success, and fans are excited to see what he can achieve in the years to come.
As Ware continues to make the most of his rookie opportunity, he is proving that he belongs in the NBA and has a bright future ahead of him. Keep an eye on this young talent as he continues to grow and make a name for himself in the league.
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- Miami Heat
- Kel’el Ware
- Rookie
- Opportunity
- NBA
- Basketball
- Miami sports
- Young talent
- Rising star
- NBA rookie season
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