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Kel’el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat may have quietly made one of their most impactful decisions last offseason when they chose not to include Kel’el Ware in trade discussions while exploring a blockbuster deal for Kevin Durant.
Months later, that patience appears to be paying off.
Ware, the Heat’s 21-year-old center, has delivered back-to-back historic defensive performances, showcasing the kind of two-way potential Miami believed in when it opted to keep him rather than use him as trade capital.
Kel’el Ware Posts Historic 10-10-5-5 Stat Line for Heat
Ware first grabbed attention during Miami’s blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, finishing with 11 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high five steals in 29 minutes.
He followed that performance with an even more dominant showing in Thursday’s rematch against Brooklyn. Coming off the bench, Ware recorded 16 points, 11 rebounds, a career-high seven blocks and five steals in 32 minutes.
The performance placed Ware in rare company. He became the first player in Heat franchise history to record a 10-point, 10-rebound, five-block and five-steal game. He also became the first player in NBA history to achieve that statistical combination off the bench.
Ware’s defensive activity produced another historic mark. He became the first Heat player to record seven blocks and five steals in the same game. The last NBA player to reach those numbers in a single contest was Josh Smith in 2007.
“It shows that I’m impacting the game,” Ware said after Thursday’s win. “And I’m going out there and I’m affecting it — being able to help my team, prove that I can play and be a plus.”
Heat Extend Winning Streak Behind Ware’s Defensive Impact
Miami carried that momentum into Friday’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, snapping Charlotte’s six-game winning streak with a 128-120 victory.
Although Ware cooled off statistically, he still contributed 10 points, four rebounds, four blocks and one steal while continuing to impact the game defensively.
The victory extended Miami’s winning streak to four games as the Heat continue building momentum late in the regular season.
Kel’el Ware Taking Major Leap in Second NBA Season
Ware has settled into the backup center role after starting in 29 of Miami’s first 57 games earlier this season.
Despite the shift in role, his production has improved significantly in his second NBA campaign. Ware is averaging 11.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season, both increases from his rookie averages of 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds.
His offensive growth has also extended beyond the paint. Ware has dramatically improved his three-point shooting accuracy, raising it from 31.5 percent last season to 39.7 percent this year.
Over his last eight games, Ware has averaged 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks, reinforcing his growing impact in Miami’s rotation.
Erik Spoelstra Encouraged by Ware’s Defensive Growth
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged earlier in the season that he challenged Ware to be more aggressive defensively.
Now the veteran coach believes the young center is responding.
“Hey, he was jumping off the ground,” Spoelstra said following Thursday’s win. “The head coach didn’t even have to tell him. I think his teammates are encouraging him to be more aggressive, guard the basket.”
Spoelstra pointed to Ware’s early defensive plays in man-to-man coverage as particularly encouraging.
“His first few rim protections were in our man [defense], which are the toughest ones to get in the pick-and-roll,” Spoelstra said. “But he was super active tonight.”
Tyler Herro Praises Ware’s Development
Heat star Tyler Herro praised Ware for embracing Spoelstra’s challenge and continuing to grow.
“I mean, people forget Kel’el is 21 years old, like second year in the league,” Herro said. “There are going to be ups and downs. He’s still learning.”
Herro emphasized that Ware’s willingness to improve is one of his most encouraging traits.
“The best thing about Kel’el is he wants to learn, he wants to be great,” Herro added. “You see tonight his potential that he could tap into, seven blocks. It should have been eight. And he’s continuing to get better.”
Heat May Face Tough Offseason Decision With Giannis Trade Rumors
Ware’s development could also influence Miami’s long-term roster strategy.
Earlier this season, reports indicated that Ware and Herro were among the potential centerpieces in a trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline.
According to Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Miami’s proposal would likely have included Ware, Herro, Terry Rozier’s expiring contract and additional assets, along with multiple future first-round picks and potential pick swaps.
Ultimately, Antetokounmpo remained with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Heat to continue developing their current roster.
With Ware closing the season strong, Miami may face a difficult decision again this offseason: continue building around their promising young center or revisit a blockbuster pursuit of Antetokounmpo.
At just 21 years old, Ware’s recent performances suggest the Heat may already have a rising frontcourt cornerstone developing within their own roster.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo