Miami Heat continue to be unsuccessful as a team in the pre-season but they are still winning some personal battles as one player make triumphant debut in the starting five. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has been very critical of Kel’el Ware this pre-season as he believes there’s more he can achieve as a player.
Spoelstra was specific about the young player’s stats which he said were not impactful.
“There was a three-minute segment where he actually impacted the game,” Spoelstra told reporters after the Bucks game last week.
“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.”
The sophomore center joined the starting five for the first time and he lived up to the challenge. He was the top scorer in that game with 24 points. He also had 10 rebounds.
Ware said he was motivated by his coach’s words and it is now paying off. Spoelstra said he is encouraged by the progress the 7-footer is showing these past games.
“I’m encouraged by it…he’s getting better, you can see the talent,” he said.
“I’d much rather coach somebody who’s willing to be coached, who can put up 24/10…he did some impressive things…we will continue to work with him.”
Miami Heat veteran is all praises for Kel’el Ware
Bam Adebayo has been playing center for the Heat and he is more than incredible in that role despite being undersized compared to other #5 in the league. If Ware’s development continues, he might find himself play the power forward at times.
The three-time All-Star is positive with the growth their 2024 15th overall pick is showing. One good trait he already has is the willingness to learn.
“You can see in his body changes, this guy is stronger. He’s more receptive of criticisms from us,” Adebayo told reporters during shoot around.
“You can see in his body changes, this guy is stronger. He’s more receptive of criticisms from us,” Adebayo told reporters during shoot around.
“We’re here to help him not hurt him. We want him to expand. Want him to grow.”
The veteran even thinks Ware does not have a ceiling yet.
“To me he’s one of those guys that don’t have a ceiling, he can keep going and we’ll figure it out. . . the potential is unlimited.”
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