Ware Is the Help for Bam: The Case for Kel’el Ware to Start

In today’s NBA, dominant big men are essential to championship contention. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks have proven the value of size and physicality in the paint. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat appear stuck in a state of indecision, hesitant to fully embrace the league’s modern realities. This reluctance has been epitomized by Erik Spoelstra’s puzzling decision not to start 7-foot rookie Kel’el Ware. The evidence in favor of Ware’s promotion to the starting lineup is overwhelming—and it is time for the Heat to act.

The Rebounding Crisis

One glaring issue for the Heat has been their inability to secure rebounds. Over the past three seasons, Miami has consistently ranked in the bottom half of the NBA in total rebounding percentage. The problem is not simply effort or scheme; it is structural. Bam Adebayo, an elite defender, often gets pulled away from the basket due to his ability to guard the perimeter. Opposing teams exploit this by drawing Adebayo out of the paint, creating opportunities for offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

This issue has been particularly damaging in the playoffs. During last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics capitalized on the Heat’s lack of size, averaging nearly 13 offensive rebounds per game. The problem was magnified in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, where Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon dominated the boards. Miami allowed a playoff-high 14.6 second-chance points per game during that series, a stat that directly contributed to the Nuggets clinching their first-ever NBA championship.

How Ware Fixes This Problem

Kel’el Ware is the kind of physical presence the Heat have been missing. Standing at 7 feet with a 7’5” wingspan, Ware brings elite rim protection and rebounding instincts. His size and length allow him to contest shots and secure rebounds, even against elite frontcourts. Ware’s performance in limited minutes this season already hints at his potential. In a recent game against the Orlando Magic, Ware posted a staggering +26 plus/minus in just 13 minutes, a clear indicator of his impact.

Had Ware played more minutes in that game, the Heat might have avoided the defensive lapses and rebounding deficiencies that cost them a late lead. His ability to hold his position in the paint and prevent second-chance opportunities is exactly what Miami needs.

Ware’s potential was also evident in the NBA Summer League, where he highlighted his abilities by averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 55% from the field (Summer League stats).

Bam Adebayo’s Offensive Potential

Starting Ware would not just fix rebounding; it would also unlock Bam Adebayo’s offensive ceiling. Adebayo is at his best when he can utilize his mid-range jumper, passing skills, and face-up game. However, being the Heat’s primary center forces him to expend energy battling bigger players in the paint.

By moving Adebayo to power forward, he would face matchups more conducive to his skill set. He could operate in space, exploit mismatches, and serve as a secondary facilitator from the high post. This adjustment would give the Heat a more dynamic offense while preserving Adebayo’s energy for defensive assignments.

Lessons from the League’s Best

The success of teams with dominant big men underscores the importance of size. The Nuggets built their championship run around Jokić, whose size and skill allowed Denver to control the boards and dictate the pace of games. Similarly, the Bucks relied on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence in the paint to secure their 2021 title.

Even the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have embraced this philosophy. Boston’s addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Philadelphia’s reliance on Joel Embiid have kept them among the league’s elite. The Heat, by contrast, have stubbornly resisted this trend, sticking to small-ball lineups that leave them vulnerable against bigger, more physical teams.

Spoelstra’s Time to Adjust

Erik Spoelstra is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top coaches, if not the best. But even great coaches need to adapt. The decision to limit Kel’el Ware’s minutes reflects a cautious approach that is not serving the Heat well. Spoelstra himself has acknowledged Ware’s potential, stating, “It is going to happen for him. You have the talent, work ethic and the commitment. You have to stay patient with it—not be happy about it—and then when you get your opportunities, you know what I say: ‘Make us watch you, then make us play you and then make us think twice about even thinking about not playing you.’”

The question is: What is the wait? Ware has already proven himself. The Heat are struggling in areas he can immediately improve, yet his opportunities remain limited. Spoelstra must recognize that the NBA’s landscape has shifted. Dominant big men are not a luxury—they are a necessity.

Conclusion

The Miami Heat can no longer afford to ignore the evidence. Their struggles with rebounding and second-chance points, particularly in the playoffs, demand a solution. Kel’el Ware is that solution. Starting Ware would shore up the team’s interior defense, elevate their rebounding, and unlock Bam Adebayo’s offensive potential.

If the Heat want to return to the NBA Finals and compete with the likes of the Nuggets, Bucks, and Celtics, they need to evolve. Starting Ware is not just a tactical adjustment—it is a necessary step toward reclaiming their place among the league’s elite.

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