'We see signs of the greatness': Miami Heat make strong commitment to Kel'el Ware

The Miami Heat have missed out on some notable free agents or key targets over the last few offseasons, but this year the potential to land Kevin Durant was as high as it had been for the Heat to land a superstar in recent years. One player was holding back conversations from development even further, however — former Indiana center Kel’el Ware.

The 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ware’s importance to the Heat was confirmed this month with their desire to keep him off the table with any potential trade talks — even for a future Hall of Famer in Durant.

Ware appeared in 64 games as a rookie averaging 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game. He shot 55.4 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from three. While those numbers are good for a rookie, it was his development throughout the year, and into the second part of the season that was eye-opening for the Heat.

After moving into the starting lineup towards the end of January, Ware saw his averages increase from 7.3 points to 10.7 a game and rebounds from 4.0 to 9.7 a game.

“It’s a step-by-step process,” Hall of Fame Center and current Heat Executive Alonzo Mourning said of Ware’s development on WQAM on Wednesday. “We know his skill level. We see it on a regular basis, especially when he’s in practice. We see signs of the greatness. Now it’s about putting in the work and developing a level of consistency. It’s just going to happen with time … he’s got a bright future, he really does.”

After a season that brought highs and lows for Ware, he understands he’s part of the future for the Heat — and now the Heat have made that commitment to him as well.

Following a season that ended in a First Round Playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kel’el Ware took little time off. According to Mourning, Ware has been consistent in his workouts this offseason, being one of the most frequent visitors in the Heat facilities.

While his all-around game is going to be a point of emphasis to improve, strength is the one thing that both Mourning and Ware have mentioned following the season.

“We noticed the physicality of the game affected him a lot, it really did,” Mourning said. “I could name several games where he got moved a little bit too easily at that center position. He got moved around a couple times and he just has to get a little bit more comfortable with his body from that perspective.

“But outside of that, his shot is there and that’s improving and we just need him to be an ultimate defensive force in that paint, especially utilizing his length and athleticism. He can be a phenomenal defensive force. But again, his body has to get stronger. Once his body gets stronger, he’ll get a little bit more confident in some of the things that he’s capable of doing.”

Kel’el Ware, just 21 years old, has one of the more electric skillsets around the league when it comes to young centers. At 7-feet and 230 pounds, Ware has already arrived as a lethal rim and lob threat offensively. He’s had moments from the perimeter, but being able to round into a consistent shooter is the next step. But, the skillset is there.

Mourning remembered back to his first conversation with Kel’el Ware. And if his first season — and summer work these past few months — are a snapshot of what he’ll be moving forward, Mourning’s words and thoughts could come true.

“My first words to him (after he was drafted) were, ‘Welcome and let’s get to work’ …. and I told him, I said, ‘You have the potential to be one of the greatest players in Miami Heat franchise history. You have that potential. But you got to put in the work.’ And that’s how we started off the conversation.

“He’s done just that … You think about how he started the season and how he ended it, he’s made incredible strides. So if we can continue to see that type of progress, then we’re on our way as a franchise.”

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