Kel’el Ware has given the Heat what they desperately needed

In Bam Adebayo’s absence, Kel’el Ware has been relied upon for an increased role. And the sophomore big man has brought a much needed impact as of late.
(Photo via Imagn Images)

After Bam Adebayo went down with a toe injury a few weeks ago, the Miami Heat needed instant answers with their center position. Unfortunately, their clear lack of big man depth is something that Pat Riley and the front office did not ultimately address heading into the 2025-26 season.

Adebayo and Kel’el Ware are the only two real centers on the Heat’s entire standard roster.

They do have two-way contract rookie Vlad Goldin, although he is seemingly still so raw that he hasn’t even cracked a single minute of playing time— even with Adebayo’s injury. Nikola Jovic has gotten some minutes as a small ball center when Ware takes a breather, but Jovic is dealing with his own struggles. Additionally, Keshad Johnson has been forced into getting small ball center minutes as well, and has looked virtually unplayable in those minutes.

That only leaves one real answer for Miami in the meantime until Adebayo returns: an increased role for Ware.

The 7-foot sophomore began the season in and out of the starting lineup with some consistency issues. However, the Heat’s recent need for production out of Ware has led to the talented young big finally turning the corner. He has provided a much needed impact for coach Erik Spoelstra when they needed him the most. And it has been super encouraging to see him find his footing as of late.

Kel’el Ware has been dominant in the Miami Heat’s last four games:

16 PTS – 14 REBS – 3 BLKS – 78 FG%

15 PTS – 10 REBS – 3 BLKS – 63 FG%

15 PTS – 13 REBS – 1 BLK – 86 FG%

14 PTS – 20 REBS – 1 BLK – 50 FG%

These performances come out to averages of 15 points, 14.3 rebounds and two blocks per game on 69.3% from the field.

Ware has been a monster on the glass recently for Miami; securing four consecutive double-double outings while being efficient offensively. His emergence isn’t just needed while Adebayo remains sidelined, but even once he returns to play alongside him. Ware is arguably the biggest X-factor for the Heat this season.

His ability to add an interior presence with his size and length on both ends poses as a game changer for this team. When he is engaged, the stats and impact show it, and a locked in Ware is capable of increasing the Heat’s upside in a wide open Eastern Conference.

Udonis Haslem has been mentoring Kel’el Ware behind the scenes

After Miami’s loss to the New York Knicks this past weekend, former 20-year Heat veteran and captain Udonis Haslem contacted Ware to motivate him on ways he can improve to help the team win. The Heat had gotten beaten up on the glass— specifically with allowing offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

As the starting center, Haslem wanted to see more from Ware to fix that notion. Luckily for him, Ware had a perfect opportunity to respond with a better effort in a rematch against that same Knicks team on Monday, leading to a bounce back win.

“He’s one of the people that hangs his hat on rebounds. Hearing he wants me to be better is motivation for me to go and box out more and get better at that.”

— Kel’el Ware on playing with ‘force’ & ‘aggression’ after talking with Udonis Haslem

Ware contributed a 16 points and 14 rebounds double-double, along with 3 blocks on 78% shooting. He was active and aggressive on every single possession, and his impact played a major part in the Heat securing the victory.

With Adebayo’s inevitable return from injury on the horizon, Miami will need to keep seeing these efforts from Ware. That frontcourt duo has potential to be special, and it will only benefit more wins for the Heat during the course of this new campaign. Ware is still young and developing, but he can’t let his foot off the gas.

The best version of this Heat team comes with Ware bringing a consistent impact. He needs to continue stacking up strong days like he has been recently, but the vision is certainly there.

Kel’el Ware has given the Heat what they desperately needed

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