Especially after his impressive showing in the preseason thus far, there are many fans who are demanding Kel'el Ware be inserted (permanently) in the Miami Heat's starting 5. However, to the dismay of many, Ware's best value to the Heat (for now) is in a role off the bench.
Even though some fans may not love the idea of relegating Ware back to a bench role, especially after getting the starting nod toward the end of the last season and with the strides he's made this summer and in the preseason, that's where he'll make the biggest difference for the Heat this season.
Kel'el Ware may need to take a step back
For as much as Ware next to Bam Adebayo would theoretically make sense, he's clearly not ready for that type of role. Not yet. And it's not just Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra's harsh words that suggest that.
In the short time that Bam and Ware spent together on the floor in the preseason, the fit didn't look great. And, sure, it's an awfully small sample size, and it's probably not great to throw away how the two fared with each other on the floor last season, but sometimes taking a step back is necessary to take two forward.
That may very well be the case for Ware. A little humble pie could be exactly what unlocks his true potential heading into his sophomore season.
Plus, there's a better chance that Ware will be able to enforce his dominance against second units rather than starting centers. Additionally, if the Heat does elect to bring Ware off the bench, it does help solve part of the Heat's backup center issues, even if it is just momentarily.
In a vacuum, Ware has been tremendous so far this preseason. Despite the criticism from Spo, it's pretty safe to say that he's continued to show growth and development.
Spo's been consistent. What he wants to see from Ware now revolves around impactful basketball. And to be quite honest, it may be a little much to throw him into the starting 5 and expect him to excel at that, especially if he's already shown difficulty with an inconsistent motor.
The Heat needs to get creative as it looks to get the most out of Ware this season. Bringing him off the bench may seem like a demotion on paper, but it could be exactly what he needs to recalibrate himself. And, at the same time, he could offer Miami a huge punch in such a role.
Ware is going to be an everyday starter for the Heat one day. I don't think anyone is doubting that. It may not be time for that just yet, and that's perfectly OK.