Kael Ware could have a breakout season with the Miami Heat.
Due to the Miami Heat’s shallow frontcourt and the absence of Tyler Herro early in the season, Kael Ware will see increased playing time this season.
Erik Spoelstra will rely on young stars who are out of the league. However, Erik Spoelstra praised Ware’s performance despite recording a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds in Monday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Heat trailed by 21 points during Ware’s floor time, and Spoelstra said he looks at Ware’s impact, not his stat line. He then challenged Ware to influence the game.
After receiving a message from Spoelstra, all eyes were on the Heat’s apparel for the game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Ware finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.
Beyond his impressive stat line, Ware made game-winning plays. This was highlighted in a one-minute sequence that saw Ware hit two threes, one of which was blocked by Victor Wembaneyama. He also blocked Wenbanyama on the other side.
These were the kinds of shocking plays Spoelstra was talking about. After the game, Ware was asked how he would respond to his head coach’s challenge.
“I mean, I always accept whatever the coach tells me, that’s the motivation.
“I take that and try to reflect that in my game and try to play as hard as I can.
“Last year, I was still getting my legs back from camp. But no, that’s it, that’s it.”
Weir has been constantly challenged by Spoelstra and is expected to play a bigger role alongside Bam Adebayo as he enters his second season.
Ware has come off the bench in each of the Heat’s three preseason games so far, but he has been dominant.
He is averaging 19.0 points and 11.3 rebounds through three games. As a rookie, Ware averaged 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 55.4 percent from the field. He also showed flashes with his 3-point shot.
If Ware gets more playing time, he could have a big year in Miami.