Kel’el Ware adds 1 intriguing new dimension to the Heat

There has been plenty of optimism, both with the media and Miami Heat players, heading into the next season. The team will run it back yet again, banking on internal growth and health to finally go their way. Miami’s lone major addition to the roster wound up being newly drafted Kel’el Ware.

Coming out of an impressive Indiana college season where he averaged a dominant double-double on efficient shooting splits, there is plenty to be excited about with Ware. His talent was showcased during the Heat’s undefeated summer league championship run. It was clear that there is a new dimension that the 20-year old is bringing to the table; size.

Ware doesn’t have just size -- he has functional size. Unlike Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4 big that was drafted ahead of Ware and linked to Miami in pre-draft records, there is a lot of mobility involved with Ware’s game. He can defend multiple positions, shoot the ball in various different ways and even spread the floor. 

Heat assistant GM Adam Simon spoke in a post-draft interview and noted that the Heat chose a “3 and D” center. Ware’s addition has given the media a lot of nice things to say about him and his fit in South Beach. In a Bleacher Report article, they dubbed him as Miami’s “biggest x-factor” for the 2024-25 season:

"A starting gig isn't a given, but Ware's athleticism and energy would greatly help a Heat team that doesn't get those qualities from many other sources. If Adebayo finally adds moderate-volume three-point shooting to his repertoire, Ware's fit will be even better."

- Grant Hughes

In addition to the media comments that say Ware can supplement Bam Adebayo’s game, an anonymous Western Conference source said teams are going to be upset that the big man slipped to the Heat at 15th overall.

The NBA source told the Miami Herald that, "They got a steal with Ware… everyone questioned his motor at Oregon; nobody questioned the talent. And people are going to be disappointed they didn’t take him."

In recent playoff series, the Heat have struggled to keep their ground in the paint and on the glass. Adebayo has been forced to man a starting center gig as a 6-foot-9 big. Ultimately, the small ball has worked in coach Erik Spoelstra’s system, and the team’s success over the years justifies that. 

However, Ware provides the first true 7-foot presence of the entire Jimmy Butler era. There should be no question that a fully implemented Ware can provide rebounding and interior defensive relief for Adebayo. Not to mention his ability to also spread the floor, which would make it easier for scorers like Adebayo, Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier to operate.

Ware’s two-way versatility, size and length has the makings to be yet another draft steal out of Miami.