To say that the Miami Heat are in an interesting position is an understatement.
The Miami Heat have enjoyed consecutive deep playoff runs thanks to Jimmy Butler, but the partnership between the two may be up in flames: the veteran guard is expected to reject any contract extension offers as the team is reportedly open to trading him to another team.
Losing Butler would have a detrimental effect on the team’s playoff hopes. It was clear during the first round of this year’s playoffs how vital Butler’s production was to the entire team. Erik Spoelstra’s squad couldn’t find any serious answer to the Celtics without Butler running the show.
However, that doesn’t mean that it’s all doom and gloom for Miami. The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft just concluded, and Heat Nation is curious to see how their newest player will pan out with his new squad.
Kel’el Ware is eager to get things started with the Miami Heat
Ware might have entered the league a year later than he would have liked, but the Miami Heat picking him with the 15th overall pick presents him with an intriguing career trajectory.
The Indiana stalwart finished sophomore season in Indiana with impressive numbers, averaging 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 30 regular-season games.
Mike Woodson, who guided Ware last season, gave a glowing review of the seven-footer and the value he can bring to the Miami Heat.
“He is a quiet kid that goes about his business in a professional way,” Woodson said in a statement. “He handled the adversity thrown his way to start his college career and responded in a big way for our ball club this season. We are really excited to see the way his career plays out in Miami.”
The player in question is trying to express through his tears how he battled through a disappointing rookie season in Oregon:
“A lot of people go into the transfer portal for money. I went in there for the right fit and I found the right fit,” Ware said Thursday night. “That definitely helped my career. Going into my sophomore season, actually getting to know the coaches.”
If Kel’el Ware manages to live up to expectations, a potential rebuild caused by Jimmy Butler’s departure should be softened a bit.
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