The Miami Heat are 3-1 and one of the surprise teams in the NBA to this point. Miami has managed this hot start even though Kel'el Ware is the only genuine big man on the Heat's roster, and his play has been up-and-down to open the year.
But against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, Ware is going to get an opportunity to step up against one of the best big men in the NBA right now, and if history is a guide, then Ware might become a household name on Friday.
Kel'el Ware is to have a showdown with Victor Wembanyama
Among the storylines around the NBA to open the season has been the play of Victor Wembanyama. After being forced out of action to close out last season, Wembanyama has looked like an MVP candidate with his ability to do literally anything on the court.
This is where Ware is going to face one of his biggest tests of the season, but one he has passed before.
Last January, the two squared off, and Ware was arguably the better player on the court that night. Ware had 25 points to Wemby's 21, had two blocks to one, and had zero turnovers to Wemby's three.
Wembanyama had a slight edge with rebounds (10 to 8) and assists (three to two).
Miami went on to win the January 19 duel 128-107.
But Ware also squared off against Wembanyama in the preseason, and it was among the performances that have Heat fans clamoring for more minutes for Ware. Back on October 8, Ware had 29 points in 26 minutes and had a block on Wembanyama.
Will Ware break out against Wembanyama?
Outside of Golden State at Milwaukee, the matchup of Miami at San Antonio is the marquee game on Thursday night in the NBA. This is bound to shine a spotlight on Ware if he can repeat his previous history.
Ware's individual start to the new season has been up and down. He has been able to showcase his extended range, shooting 38% from three, and he's averaging 7.5 rebounds per game in just 21 minutes a night.
But he has also felt passive at times on the defensive end. When he's been paired with Bam Adebayo, which has been on average 8 minutes a night, the duo has been among the best defensive duos, and opponents shoot just 45% when both Ware and Adebayo are on the court together.
The problem for Ware is when he's not with Adebayo, his defensive efficiency takes a nosedive. Among the five-man lineups with the worst field goal percentage against, three of the four feature Ware but not Adebayo.
If Erik Spoelstra can work his magic and get Ware motivated ahead of Thursday, there might be a new household name in the NBA come Friday.