When he needed it most, Kel'el Ware did his best to silence the criticisms of his game. But even though his breakout summer league performance will go a long way in quieting the noise around him, he still has plenty to prove heading into his sophomore season.
After Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra publicly "called out" Ware for his lack of professionalism and effort in summer league, Ware put together his best game to date on Sunday night. Ware finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks on 8-14 shooting from the field and 2-3 shooting from 3-point range.
Perhaps most importantly, Ware was aggressive and active from the opening tip.
Is this the real Kel'el Ware?
Interestingly enough, Ware's huge game only brings up many more questions. Where was this all throughout the first few games of summer league? Why can't he have this level of aggressiveness every night? What level of consistency will he have heading into the next game?
Ware is talented. Even though many can dig, and rightfully so, at his effort and consistency, his talent has never been questioned. Even Spo admitted that after being critical of Ware's effort in summer league.
But the Heat needs to see more of what they just saw from Ware on a consistent basis. For young players, that's generally the most difficult part in buttonging their game together. It seems like Ware is going to have those same hurdles.
The next step for Ware and the Heat
So what's next for Ware and the Heat? That's a great question. If Miami wanted, they could shut Ware down for the remainder of the summer league, and no one would bat an eye. In fact, I'd argue that if they wanted this narrative to go away (at least for now), that's probably what they should.
However, it's probably in the best interest of Ware to let him continue to play through his issues. Continue to force him to prove himself, even though he's already penciled in as the team's starting center.
It'll be intersting to see which way the team leans and how Ware responds either way.
There's no question that Ware is a big part of the Heat's future. After all, this is a player they considered "untouchable" in trade talks all season long. The Heat needed to see more from Ware in summer league. He answered. Still, I'd have to imagine the verdict is still out on Ware's future.