It's only the Summer League, but Kel'el Ware is starting to find himself on the hot seat with Miami management. Erik Spoelstra came out and had some very choice words for Ware, who has been so-so on the court throughout Miami's summer stretch.
And given that Ware was seemingly the sticking point in a potential Kevin Durant trade, combined with a UDFA outshining Ware this summer, Spoelstra has every right to be annoyed.
Vladislav Goldin is playing well for Miami
The headline coming out of Friday's game against Atlanta was the play of Kasparas Jakucionis, who finally let Miami fans breathe a bit easier after his 24-point outing.
Ignored was the fact that Miami blew a huge lead and was outscored by 15 points in the 4th quarter, which also meant the play of Vladislav Goldin got lost in the shuffle.
Goldin is 7'1" and notably helped FAU get to the Final Four in 2023 before transferring to Michigan. He went undrafted last month but was quickly grabbed by the Heat as a UDFA.
The Heat have him on a two-way contract, and most expect him to start with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, but he has looked commanding with the limited minutes he has gotten this summer.
Against San Antonio, he had seven points and three rebounds, two of which were offensive rebounds, in just 12 minutes of action. Against Golden State, 10 points and five rebounds to go with an eyepopping +28 in just 20 minutes of action.
And against Atlanta, Goldin had 11 points in 13 minutes and was a team high +14 on the floor.
If you are keeping score at home, Ware was a team low -21 on the floor, and Atlanta had 20 offensive rebounds in the game.
In the three games each has played, Goldin is a combined +45 on the floor while Ware is -18.
Miami management likely wants Goldin in Sioux Falls to start, as he can continue to develop with more minutes. But if Ware continues to struggle and continues to catch the ire of Miami management, it might open the door for Goldin to get some minutes with the Heat this season.