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Heat’s Spoelstra Walks Back Criticism of Kel’el Ware, Pledges Development Support

The coach shifted from a public rebuke to a commitment to coaching up the inconsistent big man.

Overview

  • Before Saturday’s game, Erik Spoelstra said he “didn’t articulate that in a great way” and emphasized he is fully invested in developing Kel’el Ware.
  • His clarification followed Thursday’s 119-114 loss to Boston, when Ware played only 8:49 and Spoelstra suggested some young players might “subconsciously play poorly” to seek more minutes.
  • Ware called that notion “crazy,” said he will control what he can, and noted productivity is easier with steadier minutes as his role continues to fluctuate.
  • Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem questioned the “subconscious” premise on Prime’s studio show and urged Ware to keep his minutes impactful.
  • Spoelstra cited rotation and fit challenges, including struggles in big lineups with Bam Adebayo, as the 21-20 Heat seek better on-court impact in the season’s second half.