Kel'el Ware is finally showing flashes of the player that the Miami Heat hoped they'd be getting this season. Over the last handful of games, Ware has finally shown the consistency that could help him take a big step forward in his development for the team.
In a less-than-ideal situation, with Bam Adebayo sidelined with an injury, the Heat desperately needed Ware to step up. And while it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing in the frontcourt for the Heat without Bam, it does appear as if things are finally beginning to come together for Ware.
Over the last four games, specifically, it's almost as if everything has been better for Ware; the effort, the rebounding, and even his offensive game have looked much better.
In this stretch, Ware is averaging 15 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks per game on 66 percent shooting from the field. Even though the Heat are only 2-2 in their last four games, it does appear as if the next best thing has happened - Ware is finally finding his groove and getting to a place of comfort with his game.
Kel'el Ware's up and down journey
Through the first month of this season, it's been a pretty up-and-down journey for Ware. He was a starter early this year, and then was "relegated" to a bench role at least in part due to his inconsistencies alongside Bam in the starting 5.
Then, after an injury to Bam, Ware was practically forced back into the starting 5, where he's begun to show much more growth in his game.
As you would expect for such a young player, it's been a yo-yo type of sophomore season for Ware. However, the hope is that he's begun to truly find a rhythm in Erik Spoelstra's new system.
Even just watching Ware on the floor over these last few games, it's clear that something has shifted for him. It's not even just the efficient production recently for Ware that fans should be excited about. It's the intangibles that we're seeing from him on the floor that are good signs.
For one, the effort and energy have been there. Over the course of his career, that hasn't been a given for Ware every night. But additionally, there's much more emotion from the young big man. That goes to show that he's beginning to get more and more comfortable and enjoying himself, within the system and in his role.
It's certainly encouraging.
Understandably, Ware will have to continue to play at this level (consistently) to prove that he's truly turned a corner for himself, but it's difficult not to be excited about his potential after the four-game stretch that he put together without Bam in the lineup.