Kel'el Ware
Height84
Weight230
Age20
High SchoolNorth Little Rock (AR)
Kel'el Ware, born on April 20, 2004, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, has made his mark in the NBA with a promising start. Selected by the Miami Heat as the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Ware brought with him an impressive collegiate background from Indiana, poised to make an impact in the professional league. Standing tall at 7 feet (84 inches) and weighing 230 pounds, Ware occupies the center position, showcasing his skills as a pivotal player on the court.
In his maiden NBA season, Ware demonstrated his capabilities across various metrics. During the regular season, he participated in 10 games, achieving an average of 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game. His defensive prowess was highlighted by his average of 0.3 steals per game, illustrating his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the court. Ware's shooting accuracy, with a field goal percentage of 40%, underscores his potential as a reliable scorer. Notably, his performance in the paint was commendable, with his points in the paint made averaging at 1.4 per game.
Ware's pre-season outings were even more noteworthy, with averages that pointed to his growing adaptation to NBA play. Over 5 pre-season games, he averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, alongside an impressive 1.2 blocks per game. This period highlighted his versatility and ability to scale up his contributions across various aspects of the game, from scoring to defending.
Kel'el Ware's early journey in the NBA, marked by his draft year achievements and the initial stats he's put up, points to a player with significant potential. His ability to adjust and make tangible contributions offensively and defensively sets a solid foundation for his career. As Ware continues to develop and adapt to the NBA's rigors, his role on the Miami Heat and his impact on the game will undoubtedly be exciting to watch.