Kel'el Ware is used to tough love, and he's translated it to a breakout season for the Miami Heat. With every reason to be turned off by public ridicule, Ware has used constructive criticism as fuel for his big developmental leap.
"I don’t really take anything bad or look at it a certain way. I just stay myself and let it be...it’s not much of a big thing to me, I would say. I just take it as they want to see me be better and be a better version of myself."Kel'el Ware
Over the past few months, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra hasn't shied away from his vocal criticism of Ware. Whether it was due to effort or overall professionalism, Spo hasn't helped but shown how he feels about Ware.
Even though you'd imagine most of it comes from a good place, likely because Spo believes so much in Ware's talent, it's only natural to wonder what type of impact being so critical could have on such a young player.
Thankfully, at least up to now, it's only resulted in good things for both Ware and the Heat. In fact, I'd argue that there isn't a player on the team that Spo has been harder on so far this season. To his credit, Ware has taken much of the criticism in stride and has had his best season to date.
In the midst of a breakout season, Ware is averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds on 48 percent shooting from 3-point range. In a season that has been slightly more disappointing than encouraging for the Heat, Ware has given this franchise something it can truly hang its hat on heading into the future.
Even though it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what Ware's ceiling can be in the future, the bottom line is that he's emerged as a young, promising asset - to the level that the Heat haven't had in a long time.
And the fact that Ware has been able to use his constant criticism as motivation is a big reason why. Who knows where Ware would be if he didn't have the ability to take these "jabs" in stride?
But that's part of what makes him unique and special as a player. As Ware continues to improve as a player and grow into his own as a pro, it'll be interesting to see how the narrative surrounding him continues to grow and evolve.
Because if his play this season is any indication, that's going to also distinctly change.