Despite elite performances, Kel'el Ware struggles for consistent impact. His impressive stats demand a clearer role to translate into much-needed Heat victories.
The Miami Heat's season has been wavering, especially after last night's brutal loss against the New York Knicks, with a final score of 132-125. Two-time All-Star Jalen Brunson recorded 47 points, which is a new career-high when playing at home, including six three-pointers made, three assists, and eight assists with no turnovers. After a hot start, being among the best in the Eastern Conference and winning seven out of eight games, they've hit a hard wall. The team has now lost seven of its most recent eight games.
There have been issues on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court, which cost them these games. However, Kel'el Ware has been riding his own rollercoaster.
Erik Spoelstra challenged the second-year center to impact winning rather than have empty stats since the preseason. He's had moments of answering the call, such as the seven-game winning streak, when the 21-year-old was averaging 13.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 53.2 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from three-point range during that span.
Ware was establishing his dominance and impacting winning, which is exactly what Spoelstra demanded of him. However, his role was inconsistent, with one night as a starter and another coming off the bench, plus fluctuating minutes.
The former first-round pick continues to make his presence known on the court. During the Heat's recent three-game road trip, Ware averaged 24.7 points, 15 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 71.1 percent from the field, 75 percent from three-point range. Although they lost two of those games, to the Boston Celtics and the Knicks.
"It's just got to be a collective deal," Spoelstra said following the Heat's recent loss in New York. "I like the things that [Ware's] doing. I know everybody on the outside will just notice the stats, but he's doing winning things. It's not always about the stats, but he's come a long way. He's improving. I want him to play with confidence."
The young prospect recorded a new career-high in 28 points, including five three-pointers made, 19 rebounds, and a steal in 35 minutes.
The former All-Rookie center has shown no complaints about the situation and has embraced the leadership surrounding him, along with his veteran teammates, such as team captain Bam Adebayo.
"I'm just trying to impact the game," Ware said. "I'm not putting up the numbers for my own looks. I'm trying to put them up so we can get some points on the boards, especially with the rebounds, so we can come up with wins."
The Heat know there's tremendous potential with the seven-footer; it's been on display on the court for multiple occasions, but the winning needs to come alongside the performances, which requires more from his teammates as well.
Ware continues to overcome his growing pains and prove himself time and time again. He currently has the highest three-point percentage among centers, 48 percent.
They will face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, Dec. 23rd, then travel to Georgia and face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Dec. 26th.
More Miami Heat News: