Despite an "off" game against the Atlanta Hawks, it's difficult for Miami Heat fans not to be completely impressed with the consistent improvement that Kel'el Ware has made this preseason. After a summer that was more miss than hit for Ware, he's certainly begun to put it all together since the start of training camp.
Sure, there was some uneasiness mixed in after Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra's comments, but it's safe to say that Ware has been one of the few bright spots for the Heat in the preseason. What makes it all the more impressive, aside from the strong production, is the fact that Ware is doing things that big men shouldn't be able to do.
For his size, Ware is consistently proving that he's much more than just a strong rebounder and an around-the-rim finisher. He's taking opponents off the dribble one-on-one, and has better post-skill than most will give him credit for.
Add in that he's shooting 44 percent from 3-point range, and 51 percent shooting from the field overall, and, again, it's impossible not to be impressed by what Ware has been able to do this preseason.
Of course, the big question is, can Ware carry over the momentum he's built in the preseason over to the start of the regular season, and when it matters most?
Kel'el Ware's fork in the road
That's why Ware, despite his great play in the preseason, which should absolutely fire up fans, will mean nothing if he goes down the wrong path once the regular season begins. Truly, as Spo eluded to with his recent criticisms of Ware, it comes down to whether the young big man could play winning basketball or not.
That's one thing that preseason doesn't really gauge. Players can post guady numbers, but because of the inconsistent competition, it's tough for the preseason to be considered a strong measuring stick for the regular season.
That's what the Heat may be up against as they truly try to measure what Ware has done this preseason. Averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game looks awfully great on paper, but it's tough to confidently suggest that will translate to the regular season.
Even after a strong showing in the preseason, it does appear as if Ware has two routes to choose between. He could either use the last few weeks to catapult himself to new heights with the Heat, or he could also spiral into a player who doesn't hold a ton of value in winning situations. One who possibly can't fit next to Bam Adebayo and the rest of this team's primary core.
The hope is that everything has begun to click for Ware in the preseason, and he proves that with a strong start in the regular season. Either way, none of that, at least for now, should take away from the fans' excitement about what Ware has shown the team in the preseason.