Kel’el Ware averaged a double double in Miami Heat‘s first two pre-season games. He recorded 10 points and nine rebounds in against the Orlando Magic and 18 and 13 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, both games ended up in defeat.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra is reserving his praise for the sophomore and urging him to have more impact beyond the statistics.
“There was a three-minute segment where he actually impacted the game,” Spoelstra told reporters after the Bucks game.
“The rest of it has to impact the game. I’m not looking at the stat line. I think everybody is looking at the wrong thing. It’s got to impact the game. … And that’s part of the maturation for a young player.”
Ware, the team’s 15th overall last season, played 23 minutes against the Bucks, the most for those who are assured of a spot in the final roster. Reception of his performance in that game is opposite of what Spoelstra said.
Kel’el Ware in just 23 minutes vs the Bucks tonight:
18 PTS
13 REB
1 STL
2/4 3PM (50 3P%)Year 2 Ware is going to be scary🗣️ pic.twitter.com/cxpx9xZ77x
— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) October 7, 2025
How did Kel’el Ware get this shot to fall?? 🎪 pic.twitter.com/qT1kE9GKA7
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2025
Some are still not convinced.
I’m not here to be hard on Kel’el Ware. He came in as a raw talent, and borderline project.
But between summer league and these first two preseason games, I haven’t seen anything he improved on.
He has plenty of time, but it’s been rough
— Silas P. Silas (@KennySpenceNBA) October 7, 2025
Erik Spoelstra has faith in Kel’el Ware
Although the Heat coach is critical of Ware’s impact, it’s just his way of encouraging him to play better. He is only calling for consistency.
People expect him to have a solid follow up to his freshman year when he averaged 9.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg, leading to NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
“That’s part of him as a young player connecting the dots,” Spoelstra continued.
“It does not matter if you have 18 (points) and 13 (rebounds). … That’s why I enjoy coaching him. It’s my responsibility to help teach him how to connect the dots and become more consistent where it leads to winning.”
Ware is expected to serve as a reliever this coming season. His star teammate Bam Adebayo will get the starting center role. He will be surrounded by veterans who can help him as the first unit is filled with experienced guys like Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Herro, Adebayo, and new acquisition Norman Powell.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
