Much was made about the Miami Heat's decision to hold Kel'el Ware out of trade talks for Kevin Durant. While there were many in favor of the decision, there were also some who believed the Heat were making a big mistake. And through two NBA Summer League games, those naysayers may be right.
In his most recent game in the Heat's Summer League, Ware struggled as he finished with 12 points and three rebounds on 4-12 shooting. Overall, through his two Summer League games, Ware is shooting a combined 9-24 from the field. This is not exactly what you want to see after the Heat made the decision to hold Ware out of trade talks for a superstar player.
Kel'el Ware is still finding his footing with the Heat
Even though it's understandable that Ware is probably using Summer League to try out some new things and feel his way into his second season in the NBA, the Heat would much rather like to see more effective play from their second-year big.
It hasn't been all bad, but it's clear that the Heat have to be at least somewhat concerned with their decision to keep Ware out of trade talks for KD. Looking back, it wasn't as simple as the inclusion of Ware in talks that could've gotten the deal done, but there's no question it's one of those decisions that certainly tipped the scales in Houston's favor.
It'll be interesting to see how the Heat elects to approach the rest of the summer with Ware. Will he continue to play in Summer League games, or has the team seen enough of him? Considering that Ware is projected to be the starter heading into the start of the regular season, you don't want to wear him out with these meaningless Summer League games.
At the same time, there could also be real value for Ware as he continues to find himself at the pro level. If Ware is going to make the jump in his development that the Heat want to see, they're going to need him to get as many reps as he can. And there's a reason to believe that his Summer League participation will play a big part in that.
Ware has had a shaky start to the Summer League, and all eyes will continue to be on him heading into the rest of the offseason, into training camp. For better or worse, Ware is going to continually be linked to the "what if" regarding KD in Miami.
At least so far, the returns are not yet what perhaps the Heat expected by labeling Ware as an "uncountable" this past offseason.