Is Kel'el Ware playing tonight vs Grizzlies? A look at Heat rookie's availability for Summer League Final
The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is coming to a close and few players have made the impact that Kel'el Ware has over the last 10 days. The Miami Heat's new big man has become an instant hit with the fanbase after guiding his team to the Summer League finals. Ware has started all five games for the Heat so far, and is set to suit up once again for the finals on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Heat obviously saw something special in the former Indiana Hoosier center when they decided to use the 15th overall pick to snag him in the 2024 NBA draft. That bold decision seems to have paid off for the organization.
At 7 feet tall and 230 pounds, the Arkansas native has a presence on the court. Over the last few games, he has shown that he is able to score, rebound, and contribute on the defensive end and can get his teammates involved.
Kel'el Ware has been exceptional over the last five games. His standout performance of the Summer League came against the Dallas Mavericks on July 17 when he racked up 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks, shooting 9-12 shooting from the field.
Overall, the 20-year-old has averaged 17.4 points, 8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.6 blocks a game over just 25.5 minutes per game. He ranks 10th in the Summer League in scoring among players who have played at least four games and averaged a minimum of 25 minutes per game.
Kel'el Ware has been instrumental in the Miami Heat's run to the Summer League championship
It has not been an easy run to the finals for the Miami Heat. Head coach Dan Bisaccio has maneuvered the team through a difficult schedule that has included the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors.
Kel'el Ware has been a key figure during the team's challenging run-up to the finals. In the semifinal matchup versus an undefeated Warriors side, Ware chipped in with 18 points and five rebounds in a closely contested game. With a little help from their rookie center, the Heat scrapped through with a slender 102-99 victory and maintained their undefeated record in the tournament.
The Heat will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas for the Summer League championship.