Is Kel'el Ware playing tonight? A look at Heat rookie's availability ahead of Summer League skirmish vs Raptors
Miami Heat rookie phenom Kel'el Ware will lace up against the Raptors in Friday's summer league game. The 15th overall pick from the 2024 NBA draft wasn't the flashiest name coming out of college, but his impact has been undeniable. He's a physical force in the paint, a relentless rebounder, and a defensive anchor.
In his latest game against the Dallas Mavericks, he put up an impressive stat line of 24 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, shooting 9 for 12 and solid from the free throw line, making 6-of-9.
Moreover, in his game against the Sacramento Kings, he put up a season-high 26 points on 57% shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds in their 102-86 victory.
The lanky 7-footer Center from Indiana has been tearing up the Summer League with his dominant performance and scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 19.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Heat rookie Kel’el Ware "feels good" after winning performance against Mavs
In a postgame interview on Wednesday following the Mavericks' victory, rookie Kel'el Ware told the Miami Herald:
“I feel like my performance today was good. I feel like I impacted it on both ends. But each game, I’m going to go in and improve more and more. So I feel like I’m doing that.”
“It’s not just about me,” said Ware. “I’m happy the whole team is winning. We’re 3-0 right now [in Las Vegas].”
Ware has recorded a double-double in three games this season. Miami Heat Summer League head coach Dan Bisaccio also praised the rookie for his performance.
"Kel’el did a heck of a job,” Bisaccio said after Ware’s latest double-double on Wednesday. “We continue to challenge him defensively. He took that challenge. Everything at the rim was contested. We want to continue to see that. Obviously, this is never enough. But we’re really, really happy with him anchoring our defense today.”
Ware, who turned 20 in April, has demonstrated nearly everything you'd want to see in the past few weeks, though his perimeter shooting still needs work.
His potential fit alongside Bam Adebayo has Heat fans excited. He could be part of a pairing that creates difficulties on the defensive side of the ball for anyone who comes across their path.
Where to watch the Miami Heat vs. the Toronto Raptors?
The game between the Heat and the Raptors will be played at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The game is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be aired on ESPN+ and ESPN3, and fans can live-stream it on NBA League Pass.