What they’re saying: Grading Kel’el Ware’s selection by the Miami Heat
Former Indiana big man Kel’el Ware was selected No. 15 by the Miami Heat in Wednesday’s 2024 NBA draft.
Here’s a roundup of reactions to Ware’s selection from those who cover the draft:
After Miami struck gold with UCLA senior Jaime Jaquez Jr. in last year’s draft, it was surprising to see the Heat pass on Dalton Knecht after he fell right into their laps with the No. 15 pick, allowing him to eventually get picked by the Lakers at No. 17.
The intel around Ware’s lack of intensity from his recent pre-draft workouts caused several teams to speculate he might fall all the way to the end of the first round or possibly to the second round. In the end, the Heat, known for the emphasis they place on toughness, consistent energy and conditioning, drafted him.
It’s possible the Heat thought Knecht’s defense wasn’t a fit with Tyler Herro’s similar limitations on the perimeter, and that upgrading the frontcourt with a young rim-protector such as Ware was more important. It will be interesting to see how the careers of Knecht and Ware unfold from here, as many around the NBA were certainly surprised to see this shift in draft strategy that possibly signals more changes are underway.
Ware’s occasional on-court lethargy doesn’t exactly scream #HeatCulture, but he fills a need for a backup five who can score … one Miami fairly unsuccessfully attempted to fill last offseason with Thomas Bryant and Orlando Robinson. Stylistically, Ware’s ability to play on the perimeter also lets the Heat play more of a five-out style, and he could share the court with Bam Adebayo at times because of it.
Grade: B+
Ware really made a jump in improvement from his freshman year at Oregon to his sophomore season at Indiana, showing more upside as a pick-and-roll big while putting pressure on the rim. His athleticism helps him guard the perimeter off the switch and he’s improved his ball-handling, starting the break off missed shots.
CBSSports.com, Adam Finkelstein and Kyle Boone:
Ware is the most polarizing prospect in this class. There are a lot of those guys, but he’s the most extreme. He’s been that way since high school. He has every single tool in the book: size, speed, hands, touch out to the perimeter. But he’s said out loud he’s not sure how much he loves basketball. There have been questions about motor, physicality, etc. But going to the Heat and Heat culture will be great for him — unless he can’t fit in. Grade: B-
Grade: A
Ware is huge, super athletic, and had 42 percent of his threes at low volume this past year at Indiana. He’s known for being a “low motor” player who could make more hustle plays than he does, and there’s no better landing spot for someone like that than Miami. In the Heat’s development program, Ware will be able to add strength and focus on perfecting his mentality. He’s bubbling with upside as a potential drop coverage shot blocker, lob threat, and spot-up shooter. It will be interesting to see if he can play minutes alongside Bam Adebayo, but if he comes out as a 40 percent three-point shooter, it won’t be an issue.
Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley:
The Miami Heat seemed determined to add another center to play both alongside and in relief of Bam Adebayo. Kel’el Ware was arguably the best center left on the board (though Yves Missi might have something to say about that). It’s hard to knock the pick if that was the aim.
Ware is big and mobile, which has always been an intriguing combination, but it’s especially helpful in today’s pace-and-space environment. He looks physically ready for the NBA right now, as he could walk into a rim-running, lob-crushing role and perhaps add a pinch of perimeter shooting as well.
That shooting potential is a bit mysterious, though. The gains he made this past season (42.5 percent from three) came on low volume (40 attempts in 30 games). He also shot a paltry 63.4 percent from the foul line. So, who knows how real his improvement will prove? Tack on some concerns regarding his physicality and feel for the game, and he’s far from a sure thing despite looking the part.
You never want to doubt Miami’s coaching and developmental staff, but is there enough shooting between him and Adebayo (let alone Jimmy Butler) to log major minutes together? Or did the Heat just use the first pick after the lottery on a backup big man?
Grade: C
Miami Heat: B
Kel’el Ware (15)
The Heat have tried multiple options to be the backup behind Bam Adebayo, but Ware may be the solution that they have been looking for. He’s an athletic big that stands 7’1” and can rebound and block shots. He also showcased some shooting and self-creation upside during his season at Indiana. He has a slender frame, but he is a taller big, which is nice to have behind Bam, since he is undersized for his position. Ware has a ton of upside, and if Erik Spoelstra can help him develop, he could turn into a scary player for Miami.
Miami Heat — Grade: A-
No. 15 Kel’el Ware, C, IndianaInterior help for Bam Adebayo and a big man who can stretch the floor, a major need for Miami. Ware had a big sophomore season with the Hoosiers, showcasing his rim-protecting and shooting potential.
The Sporting News, Kyle Irving:
Grade: B+
The Heat and All-Star center Bam Adebayo agreed to a three-year, $166 million contract Wednesday afternoon. Now, they get some frontcourt size in Ware, a 7-foot backup center.Ware’s mobility, athleticism and potential to stretch the floor makes him a great fit with the Heat. He’s a rim protector and lob catcher with developing offensive skills.
Once a five-star, top recruit coming out of high school, where better to maximize his talents than a renowned player development program like Miami?
Grade: B+
The Miami Heat land the No. 17 ranked player in the On3 rankings, with a massive upside chance to unlock a player who was knocked down the board by motor concerns. However, with Heat Culture, that should not be an issue many people worry about for now.
Ware is a 7-foot center who had a breakout season at Indiana after starting at Oregon as a five-star prospect. A 25 PER ranks him among the best in college basketball. Averaging 15.9 and 9.9 with Big Ten All-Defense honors will draw plenty interest. He also shot 42.5 percent from the 3-point line, which he will need to repeat in workouts after shooting just 27.3 percent in 2022-23.
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