Kel'el Ware has flipped the switch and emerged as a dominant rebounder for the Miami Heat over the last 12 games, and it's completely changed everything for the team. Because of this shift, Erik Spoelstra is now relying on (and trusting) Ware more and more down the stretch in games.
During the first seven games of the season, Ware was hesitant, not as assertive, and lacked emotion most of the time he was on the floor for the Heat. The overall lack of aggressiveness was evident on the stat sheet, too, as Ware was averaging just 6.5 rebounds per game.
But over the last three weeks, Ware has turned a corner in impressive fashion. During that span, Ware is averaging 13.5 rebounds per contest. And it's not just the production that has improved for Ware; it's also the fact that over the last few weeks, Ware has been more aggressive and engaged for the Heat.
This small adjustment has completely changed the way the Heat and Spo are trusting the young big man, which is something that was admitted after a recent win.
"He's stacking up solid days every day, and now these days are contributing to winning. The way he's rebounding right now, that's earning more playing time."Spoelstra on Ware
It may have finally clicked for Kel'el Ware
After the first few inconsistent games from Ware this season, there were natural questions (as unfair as they may have been) about whether it was ever going to click for the young big man.
However, that has changed dramatically.
Interestingly enough, the real "awakening," for lack of a better term, for Ware occurred when Bam Adebayo was lost for a few games. With the Heat needing to rely on Ware more, without any other real option on the roster, the young big man answered.
And he's continued to do so since.
Now that Bam is back in the lineup, the Heat are still seeing the dividends of a more engaged and active Ware. In any role the Heat have asked him to play over this stretch, whether that be as a starter or off the bench, he's been exactly what they've needed.
That should be considered a huge positive for a player who has battled his fair share of inconsistency issues through the first year of his career in Miami.
If Ware can continue to play at this level over the course of the season, it will certainly change a ton of things for the Heat moving forward. Like it already has in Miami's most recent six-game winning streak.