Heat first-year center Kel’el Ware is quietly moving up the rookie rankings and is now seen as a favorite for the Rookie of the Year award. He started the second half of a blowout win against the Spurs on Jan. 19, scoring 25 points, and has since been promoted to the starting lineup alongside Bam Adebayo, allowing the latter to slide down to the four spot.
“It was working,” coach Erik Spoelstra said of starting the pair together, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst (Insider link). “There’s a lot of complex decisions that we’re trying to make. If there’s something that’s obvious, and it’s working in a big way, let’s do it.”
In his three games getting extended looks next to Adebayo, Ware is averaging 22.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per night while shooting 52.9% from the field and launching 6.0 three-point attempts per game. Really, his improvement’s been on display since the start of the month. In 13 games in January, he’s averaging 13.6 PPG and 7.0 RPG. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who didn’t often see many minutes in 2024.
“There’s not a better organization for him to have gone to than that one,” a Western Conference scout told ESPN.
We have more from the Heat:
- Another Heat rookie got a chance to stand out as Pelle Larsson was elevated to the starting lineup on Thursday against the Bucks, as observed by the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson (Twitter link). Larsson took over Jimmy Butler‘s starting position with the six-time All-Star suspended by the team, supplanting Jaime Jaquez Jr., who had claimed that spot during Butler’s previous suspension. Larsson quickly got into foul trouble, however, and only played 14 minutes. He’s averaging 4.3 points in 27 games this year.
- Terry Rozier is a “strong believer” that his and the Heat’s play will turn around during the second half of the season, according to HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch. Rozier admitted that it has been a challenge adjusting his style of play this year. “When we look at last year, I probably got 8-10 ball screens a game. Now I probably don’t get more than one to two ball screens,” Rozier said. “And it’s not a knock on anybody. We obviously have players who we’re mainly worried about. And we’re trying to get active and we’re trying to get going. So I’m just trying to find my ways, find my rhythm. And it’s been kind of, it’s been kind of tough this season. But I think right now where I’m at, my headspace and everything, I kind of know what I want to do and how I can help this team go forward.”
- There’s a myriad of potential outcomes for the Heat’s standoff with Butler, Ira Winderman of South Florida’s Sun Sentinel writes. It would be a win for Butler if he ends up in his preferred destination, Phoenix, while the Heat would come away victorious if they obtained their ideal trade package by moving him. Rolling suspensions, paying him not to play, and a messy summer could all come into play if Butler isn’t moved at the deadline, Winderman writes.
- Bucks head coach Doc Rivers offered some sympathies to Spoelstra in regard to the Butler dilemma on Thursday before the two teams squared off. “I just hope they find a way through it,” Rivers said, per Winderman (Twitter link). “I feel terrible for Spo. There’s no winning for Spo.” As Winderman relays, Rivers noted that he dealt with a similar situation with Ben Simmons in Philadelphia.
The Miami Heat have been making some moves in the offseason, and here are some heat notes on their newest acquisitions:
– D.J. Ware: The Heat signed Ware to a two-year deal, bringing in the veteran guard to provide some depth in the backcourt. Ware is known for his scoring ability and could be a valuable asset off the bench for Miami.
– Jon Larsson: Larsson, a 6’9″ forward from Sweden, was selected by the Heat in the second round of the draft. Larsson is a versatile player who can score inside and out, and his size and skill set could make him a valuable piece for Miami in the future.
– Terry Rozier: The Heat acquired Rozier in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, sending Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa in exchange. Rozier is a dynamic guard who can score in bunches and play solid defense, and he should provide a boost to Miami’s backcourt.
– Jimmy Butler: Butler has been a key player for the Heat since joining the team in 2019, and he recently signed a contract extension to stay in Miami for the long term. Butler is a two-way star who can score, defend, and lead his team, and his presence will be crucial for the Heat’s success moving forward.
– Austin Rivers: The Heat signed Rivers to a one-year deal, adding another experienced guard to their roster. Rivers is known for his scoring ability and toughness on defense, and he should provide some valuable depth for Miami in the backcourt.
Overall, the Heat have made some solid moves this offseason to bolster their roster and improve their chances of contending in the Eastern Conference. With a mix of veterans and young talent, Miami could be a team to watch out for in the upcoming season.
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