The Miami Heat have gotten amazing production from sophomore big man Kel'el Ware, for which Erik Spoelstra gave him grace for his approach.
The Miami Heat have been a brilliant story for the league. Last season was filled with nothing but drama, given the shocking breakup of Jimmy Butler and the organization. There was little-to-no buzz surrounding them during the offseason, despite acquiring Norman Powell in a blockbuster trade, who was coming off an All-Star caliber season.
The Eastern Conference was, and to a certain degree still is, considered weaker compared to recent years. However, the Heat weren't mentioned as contenders. That's been proven to be wrong quickly, because as the regular season has been rolling, so has the team.
Thus far, the Heat rank among the best in multiple offensive statistical categories, such as points per game, 123.6, field goal percentage, 48.3, three-point percentage, 38.4, three-pointers made, 209, assists per game, 30.3, points from assists per game, 79.9, fast-break points per game, 19.2, points in the paint per game, 57.9, drives per game, 60, pace, 106.3, and bench points, 46.2.
The Heat have the ninth-best defensive rating in the league, 112.2.
However, it hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, despite the excellent start to the season. Second-year center Kel'el Ware has experienced some growing pains dating back to the preseason.
Erik Spoelstra has challenged and demanded better from the 21-year-old, specifically in impacting games and winning, rather than putting up flashy stat lines.
As of late, Ware has answered the call. On Nov. 10th, in a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he finished with 16 points, 20 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block in 34 minutes of action.
Spoelstra alluded to it being his "best game in a Miami Heat uniform."
Then, on Nov. 14th, Ware was called for another challenge after being outworked by New York Knicks' center Mitchell Robinson, who recorded 10 rebounds, eight from the offensive side.
Former Heat veteran and three-time NBA Champion Udonis Haslem called him out on national television, challenging the former first-round pick to watch film and bounce back on Monday, when the Heat would face the Knicks again.
Afterwards, Ware finished 16 points, 14 rebounds with six coming from the offensive side, three blocks, an assist, and a steal in 31 minutes in the following matchup. He responded tremendously to Haslem's message.
Finally, in last night's game against the Golden State Warriors, Ware's scoring wasn't replicated, but his efforts on the board were, finishing with 16 rebounds.
Afterwards, Spoelstra applauds his efforts, despite bouncing between roles as a starter and a reserve.
"Kel'el was really good tonight," he said. "I mentioned that to the team that it's not easy to be starting, playing really well, and really making an impact as a starter, then to come off the bench and still have a big impact in 19 minutes, to have 16 rebounds is exceptional. It was more about his mindset."
The Heat has a great number of young talents, including Ware, who proved to be a starting-caliber center as a rookie. However, there are more steps to climb for him in his development, which will be phenomenal in the long run.
More Miami Heat News:
- "Heat Stand Tall Against Starless Warriors"
- "Kel'el Ware's Tremendous Efforts Leads Heat Towards Victory Against Knicks"