The Miami Heat remain comfortable taking their time.
For as long as I’ve watched the franchise operate —‚ whether as a local fan or simply through work — rushing has never been high on their priority list. Continuity is the name of the game with maintaining Miami’s culture, even when the wins are fleeting and fans may be excited to see the Heat maximize a new asset. Of course, the franchise enjoys a reputation for making big-time acquisitions (acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers, assembling the Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in 2010, unveiling a Wade statue capable of breaking the internet, etc.).
Enter the development of rookie center Kel’el Ware, who, on Wednesday, was sent down to the G League as he continues preparing for rotation minutes at the NBA level. Heat fans are excited to see him contribute but must exercise a bit more patience for the young big. Through 10 career games as a pro, the No. 15 pick in the June draft is averaging 2.4 points on 40 percent shooting, 1.6 rebounds and half a block in 6.9 minutes per game. While those numbers may come off a bit rough, Ware’s new assignment resembles more of an opportunity than a demotion.
In an ideal G League stint, Ware could see 25 to 30 minutes of action with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, according to a team front-office source who was granted anonymity because he’s not authorized to speak publicly on the plan. Rather than bouncing Ware between the Heat and their minor-league affiliate one game at a time (or remain unsure when and how he can get playing time), the hope is the 7-footer can expect extended minutes for three-game stretches in the G League. That’s incredibly important for Ware’s mental adjustment to the pros.
Miami is often recognized as a franchise ready to contend when the pieces are in place. Even after Wednesday’s 41-point win over the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s hard to consider this season’s iteration on the same level as the defending champion Boston Celtics or East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, but the team competes each night and focuses on maximizing each possession. Raw talent is what gets many players into the league, but intentional and patient development are keys to ensuring they stay. But occasional flashes of that raw talent do help teams maximize development through patience.
In the NBA, there are more available players than minutes, after all.
The Heat have been impressed with Ware’s mental fortitude as he adjusts to team terminology, builds NBA physicality via weight training and bides time as Kevin Love contributes backup center minutes behind three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo.
“It’s all valuable, even when he’s with us,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “But the next logical thing is trying to get him some time — get him some game minutes and see how he can impact winning. But I’m encouraged by the work he’s been putting in.”
It’s understandable for fans to want to see Ware with his Heat teammates. That point becomes even fairer when comparing him to current Rookie of the Year favorite and Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain, who was also drafted right behind Ware and leads all rookies in scoring (16.1 points per game). But considering the Heat are enjoying a plus-13.4 net rating when Adebayo and Love share the court, rushing Ware into extended Heat minutes could yield little more than fans questioning why the team didn’t wait longer to ensure he’s ready.
For example, the rookie big saw action in five consecutive games in early November, but each appearance was different. After logging a season-high 13:35 of action against the Phoenix Suns last month, Ware totaled roughly 24 minutes for the rest of that stretch, during which the Heat were outscored by 28 points.
Last month against the Denver Nuggets, Ware understandably struggled in his time guarding three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. He checked in for Adebayo with 3:37 left in the opening frame. Humbly enough for Ware, it took the Joker less than 10 seconds to back down the rookie from the post and draw a foul for two free-throw attempts.
In fairness to the young big, though, this is where I’ll reiterate the value of patience, because there is no shame in learning lessons against an all-time great. Adebayo checked back in for Ware at the 1:28 mark of the first quarter.
Despite Ware’s rough showing in Denver, the Heat were impressed by his ability to mentally block out his struggles and prepare for the next game, the team source said. It’s worth saying that the next game came against four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that could also speak to Ware’s growing gusto as he finds his NBA legs (and weight).
On Nov. 10, Ware played only 9:02 against Minnesota, but the flashes were strong and promising enough to show what he can do on the court, which will always be a welcomed sight for a team on pace to rank last in blocked shots for the fifth consecutive season.
In this example, Ware literally fell to the ground as he continued finding his NBA legs, but his interesting combination of timing, fluidity and his 7-foot-7 wingspan more than made up for the slip. The thud behind Ware blocking Donte DiVincenzo’s layup attempt could become music to Heat fans ears sooner rather than later. Opponents are shooting only 41.5 percent with Ware as the closest defender, according to NBA.com.
Later in that game, Ware put his wingspan and fluidity on display by negating a 3-on-2 transition opportunity for the Wolves, who might have had better luck against the wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man from “Family Guy.”
Why would an NBA team try shots against a cartoon, you ask? Because despite Ware’s aforementioned limited playing time, Heat opponents are shooting 36.7 percent when he’s on the court compared to a figure of 47.3 with him on the bench. Such a difference — even for an inexperienced rookie — feels cartoonish.
The Heat often field one of the league’s most physical and formidable defenses, but improved shot-blocking would go a long way for a team also in need of rebound help (24th in rebound rate entering Thursday, per NBA.com).
Simply put: Miami clearly needs Ware’s size and potential to impact the team — just not now. His upside as a rim protector is tempting, but he also remains raw on offense, which is a big reason Love playing alongside Adebayo works so well. Love’s threat as a floor-spacer helps Adebayo comfortably roam around and create confusion for opposing defenses. While it may take time for Ware to have such an impact, Miami envisions him thriving alongside its team captain when the time is right.
On the season, Ware is shooting only 36.4 percent on his jumpers and has missed five of his seven 3-point attempts, but he’s been confident in hoisting shots when open. Against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 12, Ware displayed a patient shot release after a Jaime Jaquez Jr. drive forced Detroit’s defense to collapse before Josh Richardson swung the kickout pass to the wide-open rookie. I think Ware’s 2K shot meter would be proud of his gradually growing comfort.
The Heat are confident Ware will find his way into their rotation — the “when” just remains to be seen, but Miami very rarely rushes or reveals its hand before being ready. Teams who prioritize winning and maintaining sound veterans in the locker room need not rush their process, even during seemingly middling seasons. Ware’s opportunity to consistently contribute could come sometime this month, by January, closer to February’s trade deadline or if Miami needs him to step in (and up) at a moment’s notice because of injury. It could happen down the stretch as Miami seeks its sixth consecutive playoff appearance, which would tie a franchise record.
However Ware’s path unfolds, the Heat remain comfortable with the peaks and valleys of his development. The biggest key for Ware — and Heat fans — along that path is remaining patient for the right time.
“If you look in the last 20 years, guys were entering after their junior and senior years,” the team source said. “There were not as many high-school players. Now, you have a great majority of guys coming in after their freshman year, sophomore year. There’s a greater percentage of those players to give a chance to.”
(Top photo: Stephen Gosling / Getty Images )
