The Miami Heat are targeting Summer League domination behind one player’s unique skill set.
Their strategy centers on addressing a glaring weakness that plagued them throughout last season.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Miami ranked among the worst NBA teams at attacking the rim. The Heat attempted just 23.5 shots within five feet of the basket per game, revealing their struggles with interior scoring.
Eric Glass reveals the Heat’s blueprint for Ware’s summer dominance
While Bam Adebayo provides frontcourt presence, he’s evolved into a modern big man who focuses on floor spacing and mid-range shooting.
The Heat recognize they need different interior production to compete at the highest level. Enter Kal’el Ware, who represents Miami’s solution for both offensive and defensive rim control.
The young center possesses the physical tools and skill set to transform the Heat’s approach around the basket.
In the first game of the Summer League against San Antonio Spurs, Ware scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked three shots in 27 minutes. Although his shooting could use improvement, he demonstrated his potential.
“We’re just looking for him [Ware] to dominate. There’s so much little different categories you can pinpoint, we’re not just going to dump it into the post to him 10 times,” explained Eric Glass, Miami’s Summer League head coach.
“When you’re protecting the rim, dominate. When you rebound, dominate, there’s no one-click button for it all, it’s just ‘dominate’, that’s the big thing,” he added.
The Heat didn’t even want to include Ware in a potential trade package for Duran
Ware already demonstrated significant potential during his rookie season. He appeared in 64 games, including 36 starts, while averaging 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
His shooting efficiency particularly impressed Miami’s front office. Ware connected on 55.4% of his field goal attempts and an outstanding 62.9% of his two-point shots, showcasing his effectiveness around the rim.
The Heat’s belief in Ware’s future became evident when they reportedly hesitated to include him in trade packages for Kevin Durant.
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Miami’s front office views the young center as a cornerstone piece for their future, alongside Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
And Summer League provides the perfect platform for him to showcase his dominance alongside fellow prospects Erik Stevenson and Kasparas Jakucionis.
This summer campaign gives Ware the chance to show that he can be Miami’s interior force. The Heat need to improve in that area if they want a better outcome next season than getting swept in the first round.