Kel’el Ware has played sparingly with the Miami Heat this season, but the rookie has impressed coach Erik Spoelstra with his approach and commitment to improving on and off the court.
Ware has played 11 games with the Heat, averaging 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds on 48.3% shooting from the field. He has seen sporadic minutes in those appearances and often has seen the court in mop-up duty when games have already been decided.
The 15th pick even asked to spend some time in the G League to have the opportunity to log extended minutes. He registered two double-doubles, averaging 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 2.5 assists and two steals on 55.2% shooting from the field in two appearances with Sioux Falls.
Ware had the chance to log extended time on Saturday, with the Heat down Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love. He responded by producing a career-high eight points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in nearly 14 minutes off the bench in a 121-114 loss to the Orlando Magic.
The 7-footer showcased his size, athleticism and ability to defend the paint during his time on the court. He finished a team-high plus-26 in the game and provided tremendous energy in the second unit to help the Heat build a 25-point first-half advantage.
“(I’m) just always working on my game,” Ware said. “That’s what I’ve been doing this whole time off the court every day in the gym, getting stronger and preparing for moments like (Saturday).”
Ware hasn’t played nearly as much as he’d like to, but the 20-year-old has made the most of his early-season role with the team and is working hard daily. The organization is high on his potential and eager to watch him develop this year and beyond.
“It is going to happen for him,” Spoelstra said. “You have the talent, work ethic and the commitment. You have to stay patient with it — not be happy about it — and then when you get your opportunities, you know what I say: ‘Make us watch you, then make us play you and then make us think twice about even thinking about not playing you.'”
