2 Best-case scenarios, 1 worst for Heat draft pick Kel'el Ware

Best case scenario: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is the most fair comparison for Kel’el Ware if he is can reach his potential. While not as elite of a comparison as Chris Bosh, if Ware turns out to be anywhere near the level of Jackson, it would be a lethal tandem with him and Bam Adebayo. I'm not even sure how teams would be able to score on such a duo.

Both Jackson and Ware have elite traits of shot blocking, along with length in the paint. Jackson is slightly shorter in height, standing at 6-foot-10, and weighs about 10 pounds more than Ware, at 240. Both players can score down low but are also capable of stretching the court to the three-point line with their shooting ability, along with pure athleticism. 

Jackson won the Defensive Player of the Year award in his sixth season, is a two-time all-defensive player, and also led the NBA in blocks per game in back-to-back seasons (2021-22, 2022-23).

I do not think Ware will be able to match these accolades in such a short amount of time, but I don’t think it’s because of something related to his skill set, I think it is because he is alongside one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA, Bam Adebayo. Jackson is the star defender on his team, while Ware will be in the shadow of Adebayo.

Ware’s ultimate goal with the Miami Heat should be to fill in his role properly, which is to complement Adebayo’s defending while spacing the floor offensively.