In the modern NBA, the idea of running a classical two-big lineup in the frontcourt is something that's been getting phased out in recent years. And just when you thought it wasn't such a viable strategy anymore, here come the Miami Heat, pairing Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware alongside each other and looking like absolute geniuses doing it.
The Heat have run a unique offense this season, almost completely going away from running pick-and-roll sets. While this may seem like an unconventional method, it's actually the same thing the Memphis Grizzlies did in the regular season last year. It's safe to say the tactic has worked for Miami thus far. Their offense has been humming along all season, and they currently rank first in the league in points per game with 123.9.
But the offense isn't the only story. The Heat also currently hold the second-highest defensive rating in the Association as well. Part of their success at both ends of the floor has come from the pairing of Adebayo and Ware. These are obviously two completely different players, but it's their differences that make them such a deadly pairing.
Adebayo and Ware compliment each other on the floor
Bam remains among the most versatile defenders and strongest rim protectors in the league. He can switch, blitz, recover, and he's objectively one of the most capable players in the NBA when it comes to effectively defending multiple positions. Putting Kel'el Ware next to him only strengthens Adebayo's most powerful attributes.
Having Ware on the interior alongside Bam gives the Heat another rim-protecting, rebounding big man who can offer additional length and size in order to deal with big lineups. In recent games, when Kel'el enters the contest, Miami's defense doesn't see a drop in efficiency at all due to his athleticism. So what the Heat end up with is increased flexibility to guard perimeter-heavy modern offenses without sacrificing paint protection.
On offense, this pairing doesn't have to compromise spacing due to Ware's expanding skill set as well as spacing elsewhere on the roster. Kel'el has recently shown improving mobility, which the offense avoid the type of clogging it would see with old school two-big lineups. Given the shooters and strong wing play around these two on the interior, Miami's offense retains spacing even with two bigs, giving Adebayo and Ware room to roll, rebound, and operate inside comfortably.
The Heat are balancing old school size with modern spacing, and it's worked to a tee thus far. Having Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware operating together allows Miami to pivot when matchups demand an inside presence without suppressing their offensive rhythm or defensive versatility. It’s a rare combination in today’s NBA, and it’s quietly becoming the competitive edge that sets this roster apart.