(Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Like many Miami Heat young players have experienced over the last several offseasons, second-year center Kel’el Ware found his name in the center of trade rumors–especially when it involved former Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.
Miami was linked to Durant for much of this offseason, and Ware’s name was the sticking point in negotiations. The Suns were known to be seeking out a rim-running big after shuffling through myriad names (DeAndre Ayton, Jusuf Nurkic, Nick Richards), but the Heat were unwilling to part with the 2024 No. 15 overall pick after an encouraging rookie season. As many mess-ups as the Heat’s brass may have had over the last few seasons, they were smart for that.
Kel’el Ware is hoping to prove the Heat right, too, according to a recently published feature from Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
“It made me feel the Heat wanted me and they want to see how far I can get in the future and see how my development goes,” he said. “They see the potential in me and they see where I can be. So my main goal is to just sort of repay that they didn’t make a mistake.”
Kel’el Ware also discusses where he’s at in terms of getting stronger, his biggest offseason goal entering the summer:
Ware took many by surprise as a rookie, entering the rotation full-time as a starter alongside Bam Adebayo in January. He earned second-team All-Rookie and finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting, which eventually went to Spurs center Stephon Castle.
Though Ware’s biggest offseason goal was getting stronger; his strength (or lack thereof) was noticeable against better bigs, mitigating his overall impact despite showing flashes as a vertical spacer and rim deterrent. He told Chiang that, after entering the NBA at 230 pounds, he’s currently 246 with a goal of getting to 250.
“My goals for the offseason and in the summer league is to show that I added more to my game, that I’ve gotten strong in the weight room,” Ware said. “Just showing that I can be a force out there and be dominant. … The bigger you are, of course that kind of slows you down a little bit. But wherever my body feels comfortable, that’s where we’ll be.”
Even though he was physically compromised against other NBA centers, the 21-year-old averaged 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds on 60.3 percent true shooting. He had 15 double-doubles in 64 games, averaging 11.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks from January 19 onward (39 games).
Ware will participate in Summer League in July, though it’s unclear how long of a leash he will have. Jaime Jaquez Jr. played two games last season before sitting the rest; one could assume a similar plan for the 7-footer will be in place.
The Miami Heat begin Summer League on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST against the San Antonio Spurs in the California Classic.
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