“Kel’el Ware: The Miami Heat’s Next Big Hope Alongside Bam Adebayo?”
The Miami Heat are optimistic that rookie Kel’el Ware could become a long-term frontcourt partner for All-Star Bam Adebayo.
Ware, who was picked 15th in the NBA Draft, impressed over the summer, earning a spot on the All-Summer League First Team. While some questioned the decision on draft night, especially with Duke’s Jared McCain still available, the Heat’s scouting team clearly had confidence in their choice.
An NBA scout, speaking anonymously to Anthony Pasciolla of Miami Heat On SI, commented on the pick.
“This draft isn’t very strong or deep, so it’s important to secure a solid player. Ware is a big body, moves well, and has been coached by someone with NBA experience,” the scout said. “Mike Woodson runs Indiana’s program like an NBA team, so his players are already familiar with that level of professionalism. Woodson’s no-nonsense approach is similar to the Heat’s culture, which could help Ware transition smoothly.”
The Heat highly value NBA readiness, as seen with their 2023 first-round pick Jaime Jaquez Jr., who thrived after four years at UCLA.
At just 20 years old, Ware is eager to follow this trend, coming off a sophomore season at Indiana where he averaged 15.9 points and 9.9 rebounds on 58.6 percent shooting. Although these stats might not secure him a starting role immediately, the scout is intrigued by the potential pairing of Ware and Adebayo.
“I think the Heat are great at identifying players who fit their system. Ware has a real shot,” the scout said. “He might not start right away—similar to how I felt Jaime should have—but once the Heat commit to him, they’ll do a great job developing him.”
Ware joins the team at an ideal time to learn from Adebayo, who is in his prime at 27 years old.