It's time for the Miami Heat to take the training wheels off Kel'el Ware by giving him a bigger role on the team. With how he's played of late, it's the one move that the Heat can make in an attempt to raise their ceiling even higher after the first 20 games of the regular season.
After a relatively inconsistent start to the season, Ware has been one of the Heat's best players over the last few weeks. Taking it a step even further, I'd argue that he's beginning to put it all together as a much more mature player than he was just a couple of months ago.
During the offseason, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra challenged him after an up-and-down showing in the NBA Summer League. Through 20 games, Ware has more than answered the bell.
Kel'el Ware has arrived
Over the last 14 games, Ware is averaging 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 55 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from 3-point range. It wouldn't be outrageous to think that the Heat could trust him a little more.
Of course, the question is, what does that truly mean? Does that just mean more minutes? Does that mean allowing Ware to play alongside the starters more? More of an opportunity to close games? Does that mean inserting him into the starting 5 full-time?
It's hard to pinpoint that, especially in Spo's new system, which doesn't necessarily rely on one single player. However, there's no question that Ware has earned more trust.
It's time for Spo to trust Ware
Ware's ceiling is higher than any other young player on the roster at the moment, and it may be time to give him the opportunity he needs to realize it.
It'd be one thing if Ware had continued to leave much to be desired with the opportunity he's been given so far this season. However, Ware has made the most of the role he's been given. In fact, more often than not, he's left fans wanting more.
It's time for the coaching staff to oblige.
Before the season, Ware was one of the bigger unknowns on this Heat's roster. However, now, Ware has become one of the most important players for the team.
Now is not the time to bottle that up. Instead, the Heat should give him a bit more leeway to allow him to grow. It's a risk they should be willing to take with the strides that Ware has made early on this season.
And if Miami is looking for ways to raise its ceiling this season, it's clear that giving Ware a bigger role could be one way to accomplish that.