Kel’el Ware is taking up more and more space in Miami

For eight matches, Kel’el Ware drives top dynamics: averages 15.9 points and 15.1 rebounds. Even better, in the last three outings he recorded 20 points and 16 rebounds per game!

“I push him hard”, assured Bam Adebayo. “We see him on the bench: the coaches are yelling at him, and so are we. Then his loved ones are talking to him. Obviously, all of this has to be going through his head. I’m really proud of what he’s doing right now, because he’s not going to give up 20 points and grab 18 rebounds every night.”

In this impressive series, an even more complicated shooting night remained, against the Warriors, where he was satisfied with 7 points on 3/10 shooting. But to compensate for this lack of skill, he grabbed 16 rebounds, including four offensive rebounds, to help the Heat win.

“It doesn’t matter if he scores seven points or ten rebounds, you will feel his impact”continues the Miami captain. “That’s what I want him to continue to build on, not just the pursuit of double-doubles. I want him to win by being aggressive and getting rebounds. Above all, I want him to make an impact, because not everything is always visible on the stat sheet.”

Kel’el Ware finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds, in the last win against Dallas, helping his team secure its fifth straight win. Thanks to his rebounding ability, the Florida center is grabbing more and more minutes and has become a player that Erik Spoelstra relies on at the end of the game.

End of matches to test yourself

“As a coach, I like when I have to adjust certain things because there is a player that I can no longer leave on the bench”explains the coach. “I also think that playing close matches is an important experience for him without it detracting from what it’s best to win. There’s nothing more rewarding than going through those stressful times when you’re responsible for everything you do. No amount of training or video sessions can replicate these situations, and he’s obviously gaining minutes because of it.”

In the Heat’s next three games, Kel’el Ware will also have big challenges. Miami will host Milwaukee first and, even if Giannis Antetokounmpo risks being out, Miles Turner will be there.

Next, Kel’el Ware will cross paths with the Pistons, and especially Jalen Duren, another pivot in great early season form, before challenging Ivica Zubac’s Clippers.

“He knows what he needs to do. He works on his game every day and pays attention to all the details”points out Tyler Herro. “It’s important that he continues to work hard and understand that there will be ups and downs. I was in his place, even though I wasn’t as big and talented, but I know it’s not always easy.”

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.