Kel’el Ware was selected by the Miami Heat in 2024 with the fifteenth overall pick. As a rookie, there’s no guarantee one will be selected in the middle of the first round, but he didn’t take long to demonstrate his skill set. Over the course of six games, Ware averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal, and 1.5 blocks in 26.5 minutes per game. He also contributed to the Heat’s Las Vegas Summer League championship. The 20-year-old gives the Heat a fresh perspective and has appeared ready for the leap.
His performance in the summer league raised doubts in some minds. Ware struggled to garner minutes during his freshman season at Oregon despite ranking among the top ten players coming out of high school in 2022. After moving to Indiana, the seven-footer’s performance skyrocketed. Despite his average of 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, Ware was not able to secure a lottery ticket. His general skill set, shooting prowess, and motor were questioned.
The rookie has been highly praised by the Heat, and he had an incredible first preseason game. What Miami supporters already knew about Ware is being confirmed by both.
The Heat’s next underappreciated discovery is Kel’el Ware.
Ware is embracing Heat Culture and allowing it to maximize his potential. It’s difficult to find an athletic seven-footer who can guard the rim and shoot well from 3-point range. In the preseason opener, Ware was all over the court and shot 42.5 percent from deep range out of 40 attempts in his college career last season.
Kel'el Ware tonight:
13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks & 2 steals in 17 minutes of play pic.twitter.com/lOgHxOygeE
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 9, 2024
Miami needs to play better defense and with more athleticism. Ware could be a floor spacer and a lob threat. Although he still needs to demonstrate that he can routinely make jumpers from the larger NBA range, he has potential. He’s giving it his all for the Heat, and they love every minute of it.
Ware has received nothing but praise from Udonis Haslem, who even dubbed him their finest center. Though it may have been merely intended as motivation for Bam Adebayo, 20-year-old rookie Ware is demonstrating he is prepared for playing time. For a mid-first-round draft pick with doubts about his drive, that isn’t always the case.
The Heat are renowned for spotting youthful potential that is underappreciated. Both Adebayo and Jamie Jaquez, who were mid-first round picks, have excelled at South Beach. Miami even finds undrafted guys like Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and Haywood Highsmith. Nikola Jovic was selected with the 27th overall pick. Ware appears to be the next big name to surpass his draft position.
The Miami Heat were aware that they had chosen a unique player who was prepared to have an influence. Fans witnessed it in the summer league. The rest of the league took a while to warm up, but now everyone is praising him. As a rookie, Kel’el Ware should have a lot to offer and end up being a crucial component of the team’s makeover. Another excellent draft selection by Pat Riley and the front office is greatly appreciated.
