Over the last few weeks, the hype surrounding Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware hype has only continued to grow. And over the last two games, there's one specific stat that has managed to vault him into legendary company.
During the last two games, Ware has compiled 24 rebounds, 10 steals, and seven blocks. The only other player to post those types of numbers in the last 37 years was Hakeem Olajuwon, who did so during January of 1989.
Ware has not only continued to improve as a player individually, but he's also learning how to be more impactful (while also being productive) for the Heat. In breaking down Erik Spoelstra's criticism of Ware earlier this season, that's where much of his nitpicking landed.
Things may finally be clicking for Kel'el Ware
Quietly, Ware is beginning to figure things out, and the Heat are slowly emerging as a better team because of it. He's still not getting the consistent minutes that many in the fan base have been clamoring for, but the impact is becoming more and more evident.
It may be a small sample size, but if the last three games are indicative of his future, Ware has a very high ceiling in this league. Over the last three games, Ware has looked like a pretty complete player.
Averaging 13 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks per game on 67 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range, Ware is also a +15 when he's on the floor for the team. He's also averaging nearly 30 minutes per contest.
He's still not a consistent starter, but when he's getting those types of minutes, starting may not even matter.
Again, the signs are there for Ware. And if the consistency is something that could also begin to click for him over the last few weeks of the season, the Heat could quickly emerge as a very scary team.
When Ware is playing at this level, the Heat have one of the best 1-2 frontcourt tandems in the league. And if Ware has truly begun to figure things out, it couldn't have come at a better time.
Spo has strategically brought along Ware slowly this season. It appears, at least for now, that it's beginning to pay off in a big way. After many questioned Spo of Ware's handling all year long, things may actually be playing out just as the team was hoping.
Ware is a monster and he's only getting better, and it's hard to argue with the recent results.