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yesterday

Heat Reassess Kel’el Ware’s Role as Spoelstra Pledges Better Integration

The second-year center followed a three-minute outing with a 17-point performance that prompted Spoelstra to publicly accept responsibility for developing his young rotation.

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Heat center Kel'el Ware during the opening day of training camp, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Jan 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) leans into Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Ware logged 18:24 with 17 points and six rebounds in Sunday’s 134-91 win over the Bulls, his most run since Jan. 6.
  • Erik Spoelstra said he must be better integrating and empowering young players over the final 30 games, highlighting progress he saw from Ware.
  • One night earlier, Ware played only 3:11 in a loss to Chicago, with Spoelstra calling the decision matchup-driven against a faster, smaller lineup and “not an indictment.”
  • Reporting continues to link Miami to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit before the Feb. 5 deadline, with Ware viewed as a prime young asset; the center said the rumors are not a distraction.
  • On/off data cited by coverage shows Miami has fared worse with Ware on the floor (net -10.4), even as he earned a Rising Stars selection recognizing his talent.