Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra wasted little time at Media Day to reveal just how much the team values and needs Kel'el Ware this season. If Spo's comments were any indication, Ware could be in line for a huge role on the Heat this year.
When asked about Ware, Spo told reporters: "He's positioning himself for an important role... and he will have to prove it."
This pretty much falls in line with what we saw play out this summer for Ware. From the onset, it was clear that the Heat was expecting big things from Ware. However, after a couple of underwhelming performances, Spo was quick to call out the young big man.
That just goes to show how much the team believes in Ware, and how much is expected of him. That sentiment clearly carried over into Media Day as Spo pretty much confirmed that this is an important year for Ware.
Who will start alongside Bam Adebayo?
Of course, the biggest of questions surrounding Ware heading into the start of this season revolves around whether or not he'll be named the starting center next to Bam Adebayo. Ideally, that's probably how the Heat would like to play - with two bigs.
However, as Spo indicated with his most recent comments, Ware is certainly going to have to prove he deserves the starting spot. Just because Ware was the starter at the center position toward the end of last season doesn't mean he's going to immediately reprise that role for the Heat.
Especially considering there's a push for Nikola Jovic to be the starter at the power forward position, pushing Bam back to center.
Much of that will largely be decided by how both Ware and Jovic look throughout training camp. At this point, it's pretty clear this will be one training camp battle to keep a close eye on.
As we inch closer and closer to the start of the season, it's becoming more and more clear that much is expected from Ware heading into his sophomore season. The question is, will he be able to live up to those lofty expectations that both Spo and the Heat have for him?
The Heat need Ware to step up in a big way this season, especially if they're going to emerge as a surprise team in the Eastern Conference. That's become quite clear as the team begins training camp.